Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Denver (2026)
Compare cost of living: Los Angeles vs Denver. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Denver is 37% cheaper.
Los Angeles is approximately 37% more expensive than Denver overall. Moving from Los Angeles to Denver could save you $9600+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Los Angeles vs Denver including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Los Angeles or Denver is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Los Angeles | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 166 | 121 | +37% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,600/mo | $1,800/mo | +$800 |
| Median Salary | $65,000 | $62,000 | +$3,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $108 | $98 | +$10 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $125 | $100 | +$25 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Los Angeles, you would need approximately $54,669 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Denver requires $102,893 in Los Angeles.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Denver |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $36,446 |
| $75,000 | $54,669 |
| $100,000 | $72,892 |
| $125,000 | $91,114 |
| $150,000 | $109,337 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,600 in Los Angeles vs $1,800 in Denver — $800/month or $9,600/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.