Cost of Living: Seattle vs Denver (2026)
Denver has a 23% lower overall cost of living than Seattle as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $2,000/mo in Denver vs $2,400/mo in Seattle — a 20% difference. Seattle has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Denver (4.4% rate).
- Denver is 23% cheaper overall (COL index: 150 vs 122)
- 1BR rent: $2,000/mo in Denver vs $2,400/mo — 17% savings
- Seattle has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Seattle ($97,000/yr vs $75,000/yr)
- Median home price: $530,000 in Denver vs $750,000 — 29% difference
| Category | Seattle Washington | Denver Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,900 | $1,600Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,400 | $2,000Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $3,300 | $2,700Best |
| Median home price | $750K | $530KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 108 | 102Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $18 | $15Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $70 | $65Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $100Best | $114 |
| Gas price/gal | $4.20 | $3.30Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $160 | $155Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $120Best | $140 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $97KBest | $75K |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 4.4% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 10.3% | 8.8%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $17.00 | $16.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $60 | $50Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $8.00 | $7.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 150 | 122Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 73Best | 60 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Seattle cheaper than Denver?
No. Denver is 23% cheaper than Seattle based on overall cost of living indices (122 vs 150, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Seattle vs Denver?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Seattle is $2,400/month and in Denver is $2,000/month. Seattle is more expensive by 20%.
How much do I need to earn in Denver to match a $75,000 salary in Seattle?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $61,000/year in Denver to match a $75,000 salary in Seattle. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Seattle or Denver?
Seattle has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 4.4%. Seattle has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Seattle to Denver?
It depends on your priorities. Denver offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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