The Verdict
Living in Denver is 23% cheaper than Los Angeles.
If you move from Denver to Los Angeles, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Denver, you would need to earn about $102,823 in Los Angeles.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Denver:
Why people love Los Angeles:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Denver | Los Angeles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,030 | $2,975 | +$945 |
| Monthly groceries | $405 | $428 | +$23 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $308 | $315 | +$7 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $137 | +$13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $176 | $180 | +$4 |
| Total Monthly | $3,043 | $4,034 | +$991 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (23% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 73/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Los Angeles to match a Denver salary
| Salary in Denver | Equivalent in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $68,548 | $18,548 more |
| $75,000 | $102,823 | $27,823 more |
| $100,000 | $137,097 | $37,097 more |
| $125,000 | $171,371 | $46,371 more |
| $150,000 | $205,645 | $55,645 more |
| $200,000 | $274,194 | $74,194 more |
Denver vs Los Angeles: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 23%. Denver is the more affordable option.
Rent: Denver has a rent index of 58, while Los Angeles has 85.
Average Salaries: Denver: $4,300/month vs Los Angeles: $4,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Denver wins 6, while Los Angeles wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.