ReloMath

Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living

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

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Seattle, WA

WA

Overall RPP (US=100)
113.7
Housing RPP
154.8
Goods RPP
116.2
2-BR median rent
$2,645/mo

Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.

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.

Equivalent salary

Denver, CO is cheaper than Seattle, WA by about 5.5% (RPP 113.7 to 107.4).

$60,000 in Seattle, WA

-> $56,675

in Denver, CO

$100,000 in Seattle, WA

-> $94,459

in Denver, CO

$150,000 in Seattle, WA

-> $141,689

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 Seattle, WA?
Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 113.7) by about 5.5%.
What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
You would need approximately $94,459 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (107.4 / 113.7).