San Jose vs Denver: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
San Jose's homes carry a median value of $1,149,600, which is 113% higher than the $540,400 median value in Denver.
On median household income, San Jose posts $136,010 while Denver posts $85,853.
Renters pay a median $2,526 in San Jose versus $1,665 in Denver.
Between the two, San Jose carries the higher-rated hazard risk — FEMA puts it at Very High, versus Relatively High for Denver.
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,001,176 | 710,800 |
| Median home value | $1,149,600 | $540,400 |
| Median household income | $136,010 | $85,853 |
| Median gross rent | $2,526 | $1,665 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Denver, CO compared with San Jose, CA: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.