Kept

City vs city

Denver vs San Diego

$100,000 in Denver buys a lifestyle closer to $116,000 in San Diego, because San Diego's cost-of-living index is 146 versus 126.

Denver

A magnet for remote workers. Housing is the main cost pressure versus the US average.

COL index
126
Typical 1-bed
$1,850/mo
Comfortable salary
$107,000
$100k take-home
$75,488
Full Denver guide

San Diego

Climate premium is real. Rents rival Los Angeles without the same density of ultra-high salaries.

COL index
146
Typical 1-bed
$2,450/mo
Comfortable salary
$124,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Diego guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego