San Francisco, CA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 126.8
- Housing RPP
- 176.4
- Goods RPP
- 105.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,050/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). 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 San Francisco, CA by about 14.4% (RPP 126.8 to 108.6).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $51,388
in Denver, CO
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $85,647
in Denver, CO
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $128,470
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 San Francisco, CA?
- Denver, CO (RPP 108.6) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 126.8) by about 14.4%.
- What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $85,647 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (108.6 / 126.8).