The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Seattle | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 147 | 129 | -18 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $2,100 | $1,850 | -$250 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $2,700 | $2,400 | -$300 |
| Median household income | $78,340 | $69,452 | -$8,888 |
| Population | 753,675 | 727,211 | -26,464 |
What salary you'd need in Denver
To maintain your Seattle purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Denver.
Seattle vs Denver: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Seattle's cost-of-living index of 147 runs roughly 12.2% higher than Denver's 129. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle averages $2,100/month, vs $1,850/month in Denver — a -$250 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$300/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $3,000 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Seattle is $78,340, while Denver runs $69,452 (-$8,888 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Seattle is in Washington and Denver is in Colorado, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.