A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Seattle, WA and Denver, CO.
WA
Population: 749,256
CO
Population: 711,463
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 160 | 130 | +23.1% |
| Median Home Price | $750,000 | $525,000 | +42.9% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.93% | 0.56% | +66.1% |
| Median Household Income | $110,781 | $78,177 | +41.7% |
| Population | 749,256 | 711,463 | +5.3% |
Denver, CO is 23.1% cheaper to live in than Seattle, WA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$225,000
Denver, CO is cheaper by 42.9%
Income Difference
$32,604
Seattle, WA earns more by 41.7%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Seattle, WA
6.8x
$750,000 / $110,781
Denver, CO
6.7x
$525,000 / $78,177
Overall, Denver, CO is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 130 compared to 160, 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 Seattle, WA ($110,781) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.