Denver, the capital city of Colorado, and Sacramento, the capital city of California, are both known for their unique qualities and offer different living experiences. Denver is popularly known for its proximity to the picturesque Rocky Mountains, while Sacramento is embraced for its rich history and strong ties to the Gold Rush era. Several factors contribute to the uniqueness of each city including their crime rates, weather conditions, cost of living, educational system, micro and macro economy, culture, and professional sports teams amongst other things. This thorough comparison will provide an in-depth analysis between Denver and Sacramento on these attributes.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Sacramento, CA : 886.8 miles
Denver's population is larger by 36%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
According to data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, Denver has seen a rise in both violent and property crime rates over the years, which are higher when compared to the national average. Sacramento, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, although neighborhoods can significantly vary. Therefore, for overall safety, Sacramento may be a better option.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,932 registered sex offenders living in Denver and 2,168 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 359 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 228 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Denver than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Denver is slightly higher than the national average, with housing being the most significant contributor. Sacramento, California's price index is also higher than the national average, largely due to its expensive housing market. However, the cost of living in Sacramento is still cheaper than Denver.
Income Tax
Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.63%. In contrast, California has the highest state income tax rates in the country, the highest bracket being 13.3%.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in Denver is 0.5%, which is considerably lower than the national average but slightly lower than the state average. In Sacramento, the rate is around 0.76%, which is lower than the state average but higher than in Denver.
Sales Tax
In Denver, the total sales tax rate is 8.31%, while the sales tax rate in Sacramento is currently 8.75%. Therefore, Sacramento has a slightly higher sales tax than Denver.
Income
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Sacramento, you will have to make $54,082 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver's high elevation and proximity to the Rocky Mountains provide opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking views. Sacramento is situated in the Central Valley, by the Sacramento River, and a short drive from both the Pacific coastline and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering vast recreational possibilities.
Denver boasts numerous high-ranking schools and is home to well-regarded universities such as the University of Denver. Sacramento also has a plethora of highly-rated public, charter, and private schools. Additionally, it has several community colleges and four-year universities, including California State University, Sacramento. Both cities place a high emphasis on education.
Denver's economy is marked by the presence of several large corporations, with an emphasis on telecommunications, technology, aerospace, and manufacturing companies. Sacramento's economy is primarily driven by the government sector, healthcare, education, and professional services. Both cities have robust employment opportunities, but the industries differ noticeably.
Biggest Employers
Denver’s largest employers include the federal government, Denver Public Schools, and HealthONE Corporation. In Sacramento, the largest employers are the State of California, Sacramento County, and the Sacramento City Unified School District.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
2020
80.1%
61.4%
18.3%
36.1%
1.6%
2.5%
2016
74.2%
58.0%
19.0%
33.8%
6.8%
8.3%
2012
73.9%
58.1%
24.3%
39.1%
1.7%
2.8%
2008
75.8%
58.4%
23.2%
39.4%
1.0%
2.2%
2004
69.7%
49.8%
29.3%
49.6%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
62.0%
49.4%
30.9%
45.4%
7.0%
5.2%
1996
61.8%
49.8%
30.0%
40.8%
8.2%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
16.2%
8.7%
5.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.4%
4.3%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.3%
3.2%
1.4%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.7%
6.8%
8.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.6%
3.0%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.9%
0.9%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.5%
2.7%
1.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
2.3%
1.1%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
Weather
Denver has a semi-arid, continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Snow falls primarily from October through April, but it never stays on the ground for long. Sacramento enjoys a mild climate with its Mediterranean-type weather characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Thus, climate preference would dictate choice between these cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
45%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
Denver
Sacramento
2018
100
121
0.50
0.32
25.4
9.7
27.9
24.7
N/A
0.002
29.2
28.9
8.6
12.7
0.7
N/A
2017
95
117
0.49
0.33
25.9
9.0
27.6
25.2
N/A
0.002
22.0
22.1
8.4
8.8
0.8
N/A
2016
90
103
0.53
0.44
27.7
8.0
27.2
25.3
N/A
0.002
22.6
14.0
8.7
9.0
1.0
N/A
2015
101
105
0.53
0.25
27.8
9.7
25.2
24.9
N/A
0.002
21.0
16.2
10.4
10.9
1.0
N/A
2014
94
99
0.53
0.24
25.4
10.2
24.6
24.9
N/A
0.002
25.1
15.6
10.1
9.6
1.3
N/A
2013
85
102
0.45
0.29
21.9
11.1
24.0
23.2
N/A
0.002
24.4
21.3
N/A
11.9
1.5
N/A
2012
91
107
0.33
0.31
18.9
10.5
26.2
25.2
N/A
0.002
24.9
15.2
N/A
7.9
1.4
N/A
2011
91
106
0.34
0.29
18.1
11.2
25.8
24.0
N/A
0.002
23.7
17.7
N/A
10.8
1.6
N/A
2010
82
109
0.43
0.29
16.3
11.2
23.6
22.8
N/A
N/A
26.4
16.9
N/A
9.3
1.0
0.5
2009
79
118
0.41
0.40
14.1
12.4
23.1
23.3
0.005
0.003
22.2
20.6
N/A
11.4
1.3
0.5
2008
85
130
0.43
0.40
17.3
14.9
26.0
25.4
0.008
N/A
25.2
24.3
N/A
13.6
1.6
0.5
2007
96
129
0.37
0.39
20.6
14.8
21.9
23.7
0.007
0.005
30.2
19.9
N/A
13.5
1.2
0.6
2006
89
124
0.51
0.49
19.0
15.4
22.1
22.7
0.008
N/A
28.0
23.7
N/A
13.0
1.4
0.5
2005
86
125
0.57
0.42
21.3
15.9
20.9
20.0
0.068
N/A
30.9
22.1
N/A
13.5
1.5
0.6
2004
82
119
0.60
0.49
21.2
15.8
19.2
19.1
0.012
N/A
28.6
22.7
N/A
13.3
1.8
0.6
2003
106
119
0.60
0.47
21.2
16.8
20.8
20.3
0.015
N/A
32.6
23.1
N/A
N/A
1.9
0.9
2002
86
114
0.65
0.50
19.2
18.1
20.4
21.2
0.014
0.004
35.7
25.1
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.5
2001
95
111
0.86
0.43
23.6
18.0
18.6
21.2
0.012
0.004
32.6
20.7
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.4
2000
93
107
0.81
0.55
13.4
17.9
19.2
19.5
0.013
0.004
12.2
19.1
N/A
N/A
2.1
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
18%
Transportation
Denver has a robust public transportation system, including the RTD Bus and Rail system, and several bike lanes for cyclists. Sacramento offers a variety of transportation options as well, such as Sacramento Regional Transit District services and Amtrak. Both cities also have easy access to major highways and international airports.
Transport
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
602
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Bicycle
1.5%
1.1%
Bus
2.6%
1%
Carpooled
8.8%
12%
Car alone
81.1%
80%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
1.2%
0.4%
Streetcar
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.8%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Average
29.4 min
28.5 min
Other means
24.2 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
38 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.6%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The Denver real estate market is thriving and competitive, characterized by rapid growth and high property values. Sacramento’s housing market is more affordable, albeit rising rapidly as well due to California’s overall high demand for properties.
Neighborhoods
Both Denver and Sacramento offer a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Denver’s neighborhoods like Washington Park and Park Hill are popular among families, while LoDo attracts young professionals. Sacramento has diverse neighborhoods too - from historical enclaves like Midtown to family-friendly suburbs like Roseville.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Houses
351,829
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.6
Median year apartment built
1981
1977
Median year house/condo built
1966
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$481,210
Median house age
47
44
Renting percentage
50%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
2,168.8
House value disparities
26.4%
25.5%
Household income disparities
44%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Sacramento
One, detached
42.9%
61.7%
One, attached
8.3%
6.8%
Two
2.1%
1.8%
3 or 4
3.1%
4.8%
5 to 9
3.6%
6.9%
10 to 19
7.0%
4.9%
20 to 49
10.4%
3.5%
50 or more
22.0%
7.6%
Mobile homes
0.4%
1.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
12,891
State government workers
15,204
40,274
Unpaid family workers
763
755
Industries and Occupations
In Denver, the top industries include aerospace, telecommunications, technology, and healthcare. In Sacramento, government jobs dominate alongside healthcare, education, and hospitality. Both cities have a diverse range of occupations catering to different sectors.
Both Denver and Sacramento have multiple top-rated hospitals and a wide range of health care options. Denver is renowned for the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Sacramento is home to the UC Davis Medical Center, among other facilities, providing quality health care accessibility.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver is well-known for its well-laid-out street system and modern infrastructure. Sacramento’s city plan is also guided by well-thought-out development approaches. Both cities possess good infrastructure including roads, bridges, public buildings, and parks.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Sacramento
Hospitals
16
17
TV stations
17
23
Arenas or stadiums
4
1
Bank branches located here
205
127
Bank institutions located here
43
31
Main business address for public companies
58
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Sacramento
1999
2,727
1,003
2000
2,698
1,155
2001
1,996
983
2002
1,591
1,197
2003
2,472
2,258
2004
3,789
3,872
2005
5,168
4,610
2006
5,506
4,276
2007
3,599
2,386
2008
1,902
1,381
2009
768
647
Culture and Food
Denver offers a rich cultural scene with its diverse art galleries, music scene, and numerous food spots offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors. Sacramento, heralded as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital” of the country, has a vibrant food scene that offers fresh, locally sourced dishes, an array of international cuisines, and a multitude of excellent wine and beer establishments.
Sports Teams
Both cities have a strong sporting culture. Denver is home to four major sports franchises: the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Rockies (MLB), and Avalanche (NHL). Sacramento proudly hosts the Kings (NBA) and Republic FC (USL).
Denver, CO
Sacramento, CA
Denver, CO and 
Sacramento, CA : 886.8 miles
