ReloMath

Los Angeles, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BLS RPP 2022 (BEA LARPP); HUD FY2024 FMR Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BLS RPP 2022 (BEA LARPP); HUD FY2024 FMR Official source ↗

Los Angeles, CA

CA

Overall RPP (US=100)
118.2
Housing RPP
152.6
Goods RPP
104.8
2-BR median rent
$2,250/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.

Denver, CO

CO

Overall RPP (US=100)
108.6
Housing RPP
124.3
Goods RPP
102.1
2-BR median rent
$1,840/mo

Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.

Equivalent salary

Denver, CO is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA by about 8.1% (RPP 118.2 to 108.6).

$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $55,127

in Denver, CO

$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $91,878

in Denver, CO

$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $137,817

in Denver, CO

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 Denver, CO cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
Denver, CO (RPP 108.6) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 118.2) by about 8.1%.
What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
You would need approximately $91,878 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (108.6 / 118.2).