47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Denver wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Denver wins 1–3 overall (57/100)
💰 Denver is more affordable
💼 Denver has lower unemployment
🛡️ Denver has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Denver — The Verdict
Denver scores 57.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Denver has a clear edge with home prices 34% lower. Denver has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.8%. For safety-conscious movers, Denver has a notably lower disaster history with 48 fewer declarations in 20 years. Denver may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Denver are 34% lower — a difference of $282,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Denver saves you $126/month — that's $1,512 per year.
💵
Households in Denver earn $9,609 more per year (13% higher median income).
📊
Denver has a 1.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Denver has experienced 48 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$540,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,665
Median Income
$76,244
$85,853
The affordability gap is significant — Denver offers home prices 34% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $282,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.8%
Denver has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.7 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
61 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
6
Denver has a markedly lower disaster history — 48 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Denver: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Denver cheaper to live in?
Denver is more affordable overall. Home prices are $282,200 lower in Denver. Monthly rent is $1,665 in Denver vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Denver have better weather?
Denver scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Denver better for finding a job?
Denver currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.8% in Denver. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $85,853 in Denver.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Denver?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Denver is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Denver. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Denver.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Denver?
Based on our data, Denver scores 57.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Denver is more affordable, while Denver has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.