San Diego vs Denver: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
San Diego's homes carry a median value of $783,300, which is 45% higher than the $540,400 median value in Denver.
Median household income is $98,657 in San Diego versus $85,853 in Denver.
On median rent, San Diego runs $2,080 while Denver runs $1,665.
San Diego carries a higher hazard rating than Denver, per FEMA — Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,987 | 710,800 |
| Median home value | $783,300 | $540,400 |
| Median household income | $98,657 | $85,853 |
| Median gross rent | $2,080 | $1,665 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Both home values and rent run lower in Denver, CO than in San Diego, CA, making it the more affordable of the two on housing alone.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.