Denver vs Seattle: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Seattle is 15% more expensive than Denver. Denver is 19% safer. Denver has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Denver population: 740,613. Seattle population: 784,777.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Denver vs Seattle
Denver is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 150 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | Denver | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 130 | 150 |
| Housing | $3,471/moIndex: 195 | $4,272/moIndex: 240 |
| Groceries | $431/moIndex: 105 | $451/moIndex: 110 |
| Transportation | $378/moIndex: 108 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $336/moIndex: 105 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $198/moIndex: 90 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Denver vs Seattle
Denver is 19% safer overall, with a crime rate of 43.5 per 1,000 residents vs Seattle's 54. Denver earns a F safety grade compared to Seattle's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Denver
Colorado
Seattle
Washington
| Metric | Denver | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 43.5/1K | 54/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 550.0 | 600.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3800.0 | 4800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| Assault Rate | 429.0 | 496.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 99.8 | 84.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 593.2 | 760.1 |
| Theft Rate | 3293.7 | 3673.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 888.1 | 541.8 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Denver, you have a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 19 in Seattle.
Climate: Denver vs Seattle
Denver Climate Overview
Seattle Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Denver | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 65.3°F | 60.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 36.1°F | 45.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 15.5" | 37.0" |
| Annual Snow | 43.0" | 4.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 5 | 0 |
Denver is 14°F warmer in summer than Seattle, but Denver is 19°F colder in winter than Seattle. Denver gets significantly more snow (43" vs 4"). Seattle is wetter with 37" of annual rain compared to 16".
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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