Can I Afford to Live in Denver vs Los Angeles on $150K?
Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Denver CO | Los Angeles CA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,394 | $7,781 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $2,800 |
| Groceries (est.) | $388 | $410 |
| Transport (est.) | $114 | $100 |
| Utilities | $140 | $145 |
| Internet | $65 | $70 |
| Left after essentials | $5,687/month | $4,256/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Denver?
At $150K/year in Denver, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,394. With 1BR rent around $2,000/month, rent takes up 24% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Los Angeles?
At $150K/year in Los Angeles, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,781. With 1BR rent around $2,800/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Denver leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,687/month vs $4,256/month in Los Angeles.
Can I afford to live alone in Denver on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Denver, rent takes 24% of your take-home, leaving $5,687/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only