A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Denver, CO and Los Angeles, CA.
CO
Population: 711,463
CA
Population: 3,820,914
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Denver, CO | Los Angeles, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 170 | -23.5% |
| Median Home Price | $525,000 | $850,000 | -38.2% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.56% | 0.76% | -26.3% |
| Median Household Income | $78,177 | $75,902 | +3.0% |
| Population | 711,463 | 3,820,914 | -81.4% |
Denver, CO is 23.5% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$325,000
Denver, CO is cheaper by 38.2%
Income Difference
$2,275
Denver, CO earns more by 3.0%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Denver, CO
6.7x
$525,000 / $78,177
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
Overall, Denver, CO is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 130 compared to 170, a median home price of $525,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 6.7x, Denver, CO offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Denver, CO ($78,177) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.