Cost of Living: Seattle vs Denver (2026)
Compare cost of living: Seattle vs Denver. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Denver is 31% cheaper.
Seattle is approximately 31% more expensive than Denver overall. Moving from Seattle to Denver could save you $4800+/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 Seattle vs Denver including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Seattle or Denver is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Seattle | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 158 | 121 | +31% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,200/mo | $1,800/mo | +$400 |
| Median Salary | $78,000 | $62,000 | +$16,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $110 | $98 | +$12 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $115 | $100 | +$15 |
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 Seattle, you would need approximately $57,437 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Denver requires $97,934 in Seattle.
| Salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Denver |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $38,291 |
| $75,000 | $57,437 |
| $100,000 | $76,582 |
| $125,000 | $95,728 |
| $150,000 | $114,873 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,200 in Seattle vs $1,800 in Denver — $400/month or $4,800/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.