The Verdict
Living in Denver is 20% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Denver to Seattle, 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 $99,194 in Seattle.
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 Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Denver | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,030 | $2,730 | +$700 |
| Monthly groceries | $405 | $428 | +$23 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $308 | $322 | +$14 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $114 | $-10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $176 | $170 | $-6 |
| Total Monthly | $3,043 | $3,764 | +$721 |
* 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 (20% 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 ($5,800/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 Seattle to match a Denver salary
| Salary in Denver | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $66,129 | $16,129 more |
| $75,000 | $99,194 | $24,194 more |
| $100,000 | $132,258 | $32,258 more |
| $125,000 | $165,323 | $40,323 more |
| $150,000 | $198,387 | $48,387 more |
| $200,000 | $264,516 | $64,516 more |
Denver vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Denver is the more affordable option.
Rent: Denver has a rent index of 58, while Seattle has 78.
Average Salaries: Denver: $4,300/month vs Seattle: $5,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Denver wins 4, while Seattle wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.