San Diego, California vs Denver, Colorado (2026)
Coastal CA→Front Range: housing is the biggest swing factor. Figures use public data: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents, Tax Foundation 2026 rates, and ReloFig's transparent moving model (BLS/EIA).
Personalize the comparison
Over 12 months at $100,000/yr: Denver runs about $19,844 less than San Diego in rent + state income tax (tax: $8,900 less; rent: $10,944 less). One-time move cost differs by about $329 (San Diego higher).
| Line | San Diego | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (model, 2-BR) | $759–$2,672 | $613–$2,161 |
| 2-BR HUD FY2026 FMR | $3001/mo | $2089/mo |
| State income tax (top marginal) | 13.3% | 4.4% |
| Rent over 12 mo | $36,012 | $25,068 |
| Tax on $100,000 over 12 mo | $13,300 | $4,400 |
Model estimates only — rent uses HUD FMR (40th percentile), tax uses top-marginal rates (Tax Foundation 2026). Your actual rent and effective rate will differ.
Cost line items (2-bedroom basis)
| Item | San Diego | Denver | Yearly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (model) | $759–$2,672 | $613–$2,161 | one-time |
| 2-BR rent (HUD FY2026 FMR) | $3001/mo | $2089/mo | $-10,944/yr |
| State income tax (top marginal, $100K) | 13.3% | 4.4% | $8,900/yr |
HUD FMRs are 40th-percentile gross rent benchmarks (huduser.gov). Tax rates are top-marginal (Tax Foundation 2026); your effective rate differs. Move figures are model estimates, not quotes.
Dive deeper
Los Angeles to Denver corridor guide → · California moving guide → · Colorado moving guide → · All state guides →