Denver, CO vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Denver, CO and San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 233.3
- Goods RPP
- 108.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,132/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Jose, CA is more expensive than Denver, CO by about 7.4% (RPP 107.4 to 115.3).
$60,000 in Denver, CO
-> $64,413
in San Jose, CA
$100,000 in Denver, CO
-> $107,356
in San Jose, CA
$150,000 in Denver, CO
-> $161,034
in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA cheaper or more expensive than Denver, CO?
- San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) is more expensive than Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) by about 7.4%.
- What salary do I need in San Jose, CA if I earn $100,000 in Denver, CO?
- You would need approximately $107,356 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver, CO. Formula: $100,000 x (115.3 / 107.4).