Seattle, Washington vs Denver, Colorado (2026)
PNW→Front Range: both are outdoor-job magnets with comparable COL. 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 $544 less than Seattle in rent + state income tax (tax: $4,400 more; rent: $4,944 less). One-time move cost differs by about $329 (Seattle higher).
| Line | Seattle | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (model, 2-BR) | $759–$2,672 | $613–$2,161 |
| 2-BR HUD FY2026 FMR | $2501/mo | $2089/mo |
| State income tax (top marginal) | 0.0% | 4.4% |
| Rent over 12 mo | $30,012 | $25,068 |
| Tax on $100,000 over 12 mo | $0 | $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 | Seattle | Denver | Yearly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (model) | $759–$2,672 | $613–$2,161 | one-time |
| 2-BR rent (HUD FY2026 FMR) | $2501/mo | $2089/mo | $-4,944/yr |
| State income tax (top marginal, $100K) | 0.0% | 4.4% | $4,400/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
Washington moving guide → · Colorado moving guide → · All state guides →