Question 1

Is Denver or Seattle cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Denver, CO is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $292/month less than in Seattle, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,089/mo in Denver versus $2,501/mo in Seattle.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Denver vs Seattle?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $84,500/year before tax in Denver, CO and $86,000/year in Seattle, WA — a difference of about $1,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Denver or Seattle cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Denver, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $11,167/month in Denver and $12,749/month in Seattle, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Denver or Seattle?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Denver costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Denver54	Seattle59
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,499	$4,791
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$11,167	$12,749
Salary for comfort	$84,500/yr	$86,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,089	$2,501
Median home value	$586,700	$912,100
Median household income	$91,681	$121,984
Unemployment	4.1%	4.7%
Housing score	30	34
Jobs score	44	35
Safety score	35	40
Climate score	74	92
Amenities score	64	90
Population	713.7K	741.4K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 17°	76° / 37°

Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA