Is Denver or Sacramento more affordable?
Denver has a median rent of $1,495/month, while Sacramento is $1,650/month. Denver is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Denver, CO vs Sacramento, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Denver and Sacramento.
4
Denver wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
Sacramento wins
CO
Denver
vs
CA
Sacramento
Overview
706,799
Population
524,943
$78,177✓
Median Income
-22.3%$60,715
Cost of Living
$1,495✓
Median Rent / mo
+10.4%$1,650
$459,100✓
Median Home Price
+8.9%$500,000
23%
Rent-to-Income %
33%
Taxes
4.40%✓
State Income Tax
9.30%
0.00%
Local Tax Rate
8.75%
Climate & Weather
56.19°F
Avg High Temp
73°F
51.3°F
Avg Low Temp
50°F
N/A
Sunny Days / Year
269 days✓
N/A
Annual Rainfall
18"
Who should choose
Denver, CO
Denver is a city in Colorado with a population of 706,799.
Read full Denver guide →Who should choose
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is a city in California with a population of 524,943.
Read full Sacramento guide →Denver vs Sacramento — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Denver or Sacramento?
Colorado has a 4.40% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Denver wins on state income tax.
What is the weather difference between Denver and Sacramento?
Sacramento gets 269 sunny days/year. Avg high in Denver: 56.19°F. Avg high in Sacramento: 73°F
Which city is better for families — Denver or Sacramento?
Denver. Sacramento. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.