Is Denver, CO or Seattle, WA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Denver, CO leaves you more: $3,573/yr. On $120,000, Denver, CO leaves $56,479/yr in pocket (state tax $5,280, housing $28,661) vs Seattle, WA's $52,906 (state tax $0, housing $37,514).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Colorado: 4.40% vs Washington: 0%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA

Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA: cost of living on $120,000

Denver, CO +$3,573/yr On $120,000, Denver, CO leaves $56,479/yr in pocket vs Seattle, WA's $52,906 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Denver, CO	Seattle, WA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$5,280 (4.40%)	$0 (0%)
After-tax income	$85,140	$90,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$28,661	$37,514
Real money in pocket	$56,479	$52,906

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Denver, CO or Seattle, WA cheaper?: On $120,000, Denver, CO — by $3,573/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Colorado 4.40% vs Washington 0%) and housing cost.

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