🇺🇸 Denver vs 🇺🇸 Seattle

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Denver

United States

$2,462–$3,897/mo

$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Seattle

United States

$2,954–$4,677/mo

$2,954 – $4,677 / month (local)

Seattle is 20% more expensive

Denver wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDenver (USD)Seattle (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,846–$2,872$2,215–$3,446🟢 Denver
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$974–$1,538$1,169–$1,846🟢 Denver
Utilities$77–$149$92–$178🟢 Denver
Groceries$390–$585$468–$702🟢 Denver
Eating out (mid-range meal)$51–$92$62–$111🟢 Denver
Public transport (monthly)$97–$118$117–$142🟢 Denver
Internet & Mobile$31–$51$37–$62🟢 Denver
Gym membership$36–$67$43–$80🟢 Denver
Cinema ticket$14–$18$17–$22🟢 Denver
Monthly total (single)$2,462–$3,897$2,954–$4,677🟢 Denver

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.4 / 10 · 3.0 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Safety8.5 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Healthcare8.5 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Education8.1 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Environment8.9 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Economy7.2 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Culture7.8 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle
Internet8.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Denver▲ better
Seattle

Who should choose which city?

Choose Denver if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Seattle
  • ✓Mountains
  • ✓Sun
  • ✓Young workforce
  • ✓Outdoor industry

Choose Seattle if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Seattle offers vs Denver
  • ✓Tech jobs
  • ✓Nature access
  • ✓No state income tax
  • ✓Amazon/Microsoft alumni

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Full Denver guide

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Full Seattle guide

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Explore Seattle →