San Francisco vs Denver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Denver is roughly 16% more affordable than San Francisco (index 75 vs 89, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Denver
More affordable overall
16% cheaper than San Francisco · Cost index: 75 vs 89

Head-to-Head Stats

89Cost Index75
8,160Median Income /mo5,672
45Safety Index35
37Income Tax %4.4
150Internet (Mbps)940
450Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

San FranciscoCategoryDenver
$3,024/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
45% ← cheaper
$1,650/month
$5.11/liter
Meal for One
77% ← cheaper
$1.2/liter
$25/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
36% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$98/month
Monthly Transit Pass
1% cheaper →
$99/month
$389/month
Utilities (Monthly)
64% ← cheaper
$140/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Francisco

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability87/100

Denver

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Denver?

Denver is cheaper than San Francisco. Denver has a cost of living index of 75/100 compared to 89/100 for San Francisco, making it roughly 16% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Denver than San Francisco?

Denver is approximately 16% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (75 vs 89, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,528/month in Denver.

What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Denver?

In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,024/month. In Denver, the equivalent is around $1,650/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Denver?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Denver offers 940 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Denver has a cost advantage of 16%.

What is the average income in San Francisco vs Denver?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD, compared to $5,672 USD in Denver.

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