Thinking about Seattle vs. Denver as your next move? Well, you’re in the right place as we compare both cities!
Both cities offer unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost of living, crime and safety, career opportunities, education, and weather conditions.
This comprehensive comparison aims to provide you with the essential information you need to make an informed decision.
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Seattle vs. Denver Quick Summary:
| Criteria | Seattle | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $1,995/month | $1,805/month |
| 2-Bedroom Rent | $2,750/month | $2,418/month |
| House Cost | $823,900 | $335,000 |
| Income Tax | No state income tax | 4.5% |
| Property Tax | 1.025% | 0.57% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.81% |
| Avg. Grocery Bill | $506.84/month | $455.78/month |
| Healthcare Costs | $5,040/year | $4,428/year |
| Overall Crime Rate | 63 per 1,000 people | 70.02 per 1,000 people |
| Violent Crime Rate | 32.3 per 1,000 people | 9.70 per 1,000 people |
| Property Crime Rate | 76.9 per 1,000 people | 60.32 per 1,000 people |
| Police Response Time | 10 minutes | 14 minutes |
| Ambulance Response Time | 11 minutes | 9 minutes |
| Avg. Annual Salary | $75,569/year | $67,378/year |
| Minimum Wage | $18.69/hr | $17.29/hr |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% | 3.4% |
| University Rankings | #29 in US | #128 in US |
| Graduation Rates | 86% | 76.5% |
| Avg. Temperature | 40°F – 75°F | 16°F – 88°F |
| Weather Characteristics | Mild, cloudy, rainy | Semi-arid, mild, snow |
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1. Cost of Living
Understanding the cost of living is crucial for anyone considering a move, as it directly impacts your budget and lifestyle choices.
Avg. Cost of 1 Bed Room Rent
| Seattle | Denver |
| $1,995/month | $1,805/month |
Seattle’s average 1-bedroom rent of $1,995/month is slightly higher than Denver’s $1,805/month.
For singles or couples without children, Denver offers a more budget-friendly housing option.
The difference of nearly $200 per month could be used for other essential expenses or savings.
Avg. Cost 2 Bed Room Rent
| Seattle | Denver |
| $2,750/month | $2,418/month |
Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Seattle will cost you around $2,750/month, which is higher compared to Denver’s $2,418/month.
For families or those requiring more space, Denver offers a more economical choice, saving you around $332 per month, which could be significant over a year.
Avg. Cost of A House
| Seattle | Denver |
| $823,900 | $335,000 |
The average house cost in Seattle is a staggering $823,900, significantly higher than Denver’s more reasonable $335,000.
This drastic difference is also apparent when you compare Seattle vs. Houston.
This price difference could be a decisive factor for potential homebuyers, especially those looking to settle long-term.
Income Tax
| Seattle | Denver |
| No state income tax | 4.5% |
Seattle has the advantage of no state income tax, while Denver residents are subject to a 4.5% state income tax.
This difference could result in significant annual savings if you’re earning a higher salary, making Seattle more attractive for high-income professionals.
Property Tax
| Seattle | Denver |
| 1.025% | 0.57% |
Denver’s property tax rate is considerably lower at 0.57% compared to Seattle’s 1.025%.
This could affect your annual housing costs and is something to consider if you plan to buy a home.
Sales Tax
| Seattle | Denver |
| 10.25% | 8.81% |
Both cities have relatively high sales taxes, but Seattle’s is slightly higher at 10.25% compared to Denver’s 8.81%.
This could impact your overall spending on goods and services, including dining out, shopping, and entertainment.
Avg. Grocery Bill per Month
| Seattle | Denver |
| $506.84/month recommended minimum | $455.78/month recommended minimum |
The recommended minimum grocery bill in Seattle is $506.84/month, higher than Denver’s $455.78/month.
If you’re looking to save on everyday expenses, Denver offers a slightly cheaper cost of living in this aspect.
Average Healthcare Costs
| Seattle | Denver |
| $5,040/year for a single adult | $4,428/year for a single adult |
Healthcare is often a significant part of a family’s budget. In Seattle, the annual healthcare cost for a single adult is $5,040, while in Denver, it’s slightly less at $4,428.
If healthcare is a priority for you, Denver offers a more affordable option.
🤓 See the 20 pros and cons of living in Seattle here!
2. Crime & Safety
Safety is a paramount concern for everyone, and understanding crime rates and response times can influence your perception of security and which city is more appropriate for you.
Overall Crime Rate
| Seattle | Denver |
| 63 per 1,000 people | 70.02 per 1,000 people |
Denver has a higher overall crime rate of 70.02 per 1,000 people compared to Seattle’s 63 per 1,000 people.
Both cities are above the national average, but Denver’s rate is notably higher.
This could be a significant factor for those who prioritize overall safety when choosing a place to live.
Violent Crime Rate
| Seattle | Denver |
| 32.3 per 1,000 people | 9.70 per 1,000 people |
Seattle has a significantly higher violent crime rate at 32.3 per 1,000 people compared to Denver’s 9.70 per 1,000 people.
Both cities are above the national average, but Seattle’s rate is alarmingly high.
If personal safety is a top concern, Denver appears to be the safer option in terms of violent crimes.
Property Crime Rate
| Seattle | Denver |
| 76.9 per 1,000 people | 60.32 per 1,000 people |
Seattle also has a higher property crime rate at 76.9 per 1,000 people compared to Denver’s 60.32 per 1,000 people.
Again, both cities are above the national average, but Seattle’s rate is notably higher.
This could affect decisions related to housing security, insurance, and even the choice of neighborhood.
Police Response Time
| Seattle | Denver |
| 10 Minutes | 14 Minutes |
Denver has a slower police response time, averaging 14 minutes, compared to Seattle’s quicker 10-minute average.
Faster police response times can be crucial in emergencies and might give Seattle an edge in this category.
Ambulance Response Time
| Seattle | Denver |
| 11 Minutes | 9 Minutes |
In terms of medical emergencies, Denver has the advantage with a faster ambulance response time of 9 minutes compared to Seattle’s 11 minutes.
In critical situations, every minute counts, making Denver’s faster response time a point to consider when evaluating the overall safety of each city.
3. Career & Employment
Career opportunities and employment conditions are vital factors for working professionals.
Seattle is well known for having a tech-focused market with big companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Expedia being the major players.
This makes those interested in getting into tech see Seattle more attractive.
Average Annual Salary
| Seattle | Denver |
| $75,569/year | $67,378/year |
Seattle offers a higher average annual salary of $75,569 compared to Denver’s $67,378.
Both cities exceed the national average, but Seattle offers a more lucrative job market, which could be particularly appealing to professionals in higher-paying industries.
Minimum Wage
| Seattle | Denver |
| $18.69/hr | $17.29/hr |
Seattle’s minimum wage of $18.69/hr is higher than Denver’s $17.29/hr.
Both cities offer a minimum wage that is significantly higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr, making both cities attractive for entry-level or lower-wage workers. However, Seattle has a slight edge.
Unemployment Rate
| Seattle | Denver |
| 3.4% | 3.40% |
Both cities have the same unemployment rate at 3.4%, which is lower than the national average.
This suggests that both cities have robust job markets, but it’s essential to consider the types of industries prevalent in each city when making a decision.
4. Education
Education is a cornerstone for personal and community development.
Both Seattle and Denver prioritize providing quality education to their students, recognizing the importance of equity, family engagement, professional development, and a positive learning environment.
University Rankings
| University of Washington | University of Colorado Denver |
| #29 in US | #128 in US |
The University of Washington in Seattle ranks higher at #29 in the US compared to the University of Colorado Denver at #128.
If higher education is a priority, Seattle offers a more prestigious option, which could be a significant factor for students and academics.
Graduation Rates
| Seattle | Denver |
| 86% | 76.5% |
Seattle has a higher graduation rate at 86% compared to Denver’s 76.5%.
Both cities are around the national average, but Seattle slightly exceeds it.
A higher graduation rate often indicates better educational outcomes and can be a critical factor for families when choosing a place to live.
5. Weather and Climate
Weather and climate considerations can significantly impact daily life and outdoor activities.
Seattle is often dubbed as the “Rainy City” due to its high average days of rain. But its close proximity to nature and outdoor recreation can be alluring to those who can ignore the rain.
Average Temperature
| Season | Seattle | Denver |
| Fall | 45°F – 58°F | 34°F – 65°F |
| Winter | 40°F – 50°F | 16°F – 47°F |
| Spring | 53°F – 69°F | 33°F – 62°F |
| Summer | 69°F – 75°F | 56°F – 88°F |
Seattle offers a more temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 40°F to 75°F.
In contrast, Denver experiences colder winters and warmer summers, with temperatures ranging from 16°F to 88°F.
If you prefer milder weather year-round, Seattle may be more suitable.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a more significant variation in seasons, Denver offers that experience.
Weather Characteristics
| Seattle | Denver |
| mild temperatures, considerable cloudiness, and a pronounced rainy season | semi-arid climate, mild and pleasant, occasional heat waves, often dropping below freezing and significant snowfall |
Seattle is known for its mild temperatures, cloudiness, and rainy season. The city receives an average of 38 inches of rain per year, compared to the U.S. average of 30 inches.
Denver has a semi-arid climate, characterized by mild and pleasant conditions, occasional heat waves, and often dropping below freezing with significant snowfall.
Denver receives less rainfall than the national average but gets more snow, averaging around 60 inches per year.
Your preference for rain versus snow, as well as your tolerance for heat and cold, could be significant factors in choosing between these two cities.
Sources:
Cost of Living: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15]
Crime: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]
Career & Employment: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Education: [1]. [2], [3], [4]
Weather & Climate: [1]
Both Seattle and Denver offer distinct lifestyles that cater to different preferences and needs.
Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on what factors are most important to you, whether it’s financial considerations, safety, career opportunities, education, or weather conditions.
See still not sold on Seattle? See how Seattle compares with New York City, Portland, and Chicago.