Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Denver is 29% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $53,313 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $330,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Denver scores 102 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Denver.
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