Moving from Sacramento to Denver (2026)
Denver has a COL index of 122 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$11/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
127122
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$2,000
per month
State tax
9.3%4.4%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,159$4,466
per month
Salary needed in Denver to match your Sacramento lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Sacramento | Equivalent in Denver |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,425 |
| $50K | $48,031 |
| $60K | $57,638 |
| $75K | $72,047 |
| $80K | $76,850 |
| $100K | $96,063 |
| $120K | $115,276 |
| $150K | $144,094 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Sacramento vs Denver
| Expense | Sacramento | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,466 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $403 | $388 |
| Transport | $100 | $114 |
| Utilities | $150 | $140 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,441 | $1,759 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Denver cheaper than Sacramento?
Yes. Denver has a cost of living index of 122 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Sacramento to Denver?
On a $75K salary, moving from Sacramento to Denver could save roughly $11/month on core expenses. That's ~$132/year.
What salary do I need in Denver to match my Sacramento lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Sacramento, you'd need roughly $72,047/year in Denver. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Denver to SacramentoSacramento vs Denver — full comparisonSacramento cost of livingDenver cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only