Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Denver is 8% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $69,141 in Denver.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Denver.
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