Denver, CO vs San Diego, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Denver, CO and San Diego, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Denver, CO
CO
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 107.4
- Housing RPP
- 145.8
- Goods RPP
- 105.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,201/mo
Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.
San Diego, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 114.5
- Housing RPP
- 183.9
- Goods RPP
- 108.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,833/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Diego, CA is more expensive than Denver, CO by about 6.6% (RPP 107.4 to 114.5).
$60,000 in Denver, CO
-> $63,966
in San Diego, CA
$100,000 in Denver, CO
-> $106,611
in San Diego, CA
$150,000 in Denver, CO
-> $159,916
in San Diego, CA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Diego, CA cheaper or more expensive than Denver, CO?
- San Diego, CA (RPP 114.5) is more expensive than Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) by about 6.6%.
- What salary do I need in San Diego, CA if I earn $100,000 in Denver, CO?
- You would need approximately $106,611 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver, CO. Formula: $100,000 x (114.5 / 107.4).