Denver, Colorado, and Santa Ana, California, both offer unique living experiences with varying advantages. Denver, known for its growing industries, outdoor activities, and sports scene contrasts with Santa Ana's multicultural environment, historic charm, and proximity to beaches. Factors such as climate, cost of living, education, economy, and culture might significantly impact one's decision to relocate or visit either city. This article compares these factors to provide insight into life in both cities.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Santa Ana, CA : 824.9 miles
Denver's population is larger by 130%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Santa Ana has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) during that time.
Broadly speaking, both Denver and Santa Ana have crime rates that are higher than the national average. However, violent crime is slightly higher in Denver compared to Santa Ana. Neighborhoods greatly influence safety levels, with safer areas like the Wellshire neighborhood in Denver or Floral Park in Santa Ana providing comfortable living spaces. Tourists are generally safe in both cities, but should still practice general safety measures such as staying in well-lit areas and being aware of their surroundings.
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 415 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 359 to 1; the ratio in Santa Ana is 805 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Denver than in Santa Ana.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living is significantly higher in Santa Ana compared to Denver. This is largely due to California's high housing costs, although other expenses like groceries, health, and transportation are also generally more expensive in Santa Ana. While Denver isn't necessarily cheap, the cost of living is more manageable relative to the national average.
Income Tax
Colorado imposes a flat income tax rate of 4.63% regardless of income level while California employs a progressive income tax system, the highest of which is 13.3% for incomes over $1 million. Santa Ana residents, therefore, could potentially see a higher income tax bill compared to those in Denver, particularly for high earners.
Property Tax
Contrary to income tax, property taxes are generally lower in Santa Ana than in Denver. The average property tax in Denver is around 0.56% of a property's assessed fair market value, while in Santa Ana it's about 0.72%. However, due to the higher property values in Santa Ana, homeowners may end up paying more in absolute property taxes.
Sales Tax
Sales tax can be a significant spending factor. Denver's combined city and state sales tax rate is 8.31%, one of the higher rates among US cities. Conversely, Santa Ana's combined rate, at 7.75%, is a bit lower, but still above the national median.
Income
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$80,265
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$26,691
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
88.6
If you make $50,000 in Santa Ana, you will have to make $62,810 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographical conditions also vary greatly between the two cities. Denver is known for its mountainous terrain, with the city located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, making it a hot spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. Santa Ana, in contrast, is known for its beautifully flat terrain awash with sunshine and only a short drive to the Pacific coastline.
Both cities offer a variety of public, private, and charter schools. Denver's education system, particularly its public schools, ranks slightly higher than Santa Ana's on national scales. Denver also boasts several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Denver and the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Conversely, Santa Ana is proximal to numerous colleges and universities in the larger Orange County area, including the University of California, Irvine and California State University, Fullerton.
While both cities have diverse economies, Denver's job market has seen rapid growth in recent years. It's a hub for industries like aerospace, telecommunications, and technology. Santa Ana, being part of the dynamic Orange County economy, has strong sectors in services, healthcare, and public administration. Unemployment rates in Denver are generally lower compared to Santa Ana.
Biggest Employers
In Denver, some of the largest employers include the United States Government, Denver Health, the University of Colorado Denver and Health Sciences Center, and the Denver Public Schools. Santa Ana’s largest employers include the County of Orange, Ingram Micro and the United States Postal Service.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Santa Ana (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
2020
80.1%
53.6%
18.3%
44.6%
1.6%
1.8%
2016
74.2%
50.9%
19.0%
42.4%
6.8%
6.7%
2012
73.9%
45.8%
24.3%
52.0%
1.7%
2.3%
2008
75.8%
47.8%
23.2%
50.3%
1.0%
1.9%
2004
69.7%
39.3%
29.3%
60.2%
0.9%
0.5%
2000
62.0%
40.4%
30.9%
55.9%
7.0%
3.7%
1996
61.8%
37.9%
30.0%
51.7%
8.2%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
26.5%
8.7%
4.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.2%
4.3%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.4%
3.2%
1.4%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
2.3%
6.8%
8.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
3.0%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.8%
0.9%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
2.7%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.6%
2.3%
2.0%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.3%
0.9%
0.2%
Weather
Denver and Santa Ana offer drastically different climatic experiences. Denver experiences a mild, semi-dry continental climate with significant temperature differentiation between seasons. Winters can be cold, while summers are warm with plenty of sunshine. On the other hand, Santa Ana enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. For those who prefer seaside weather and dislike heavy snowfall, Santa Ana would be more appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
65.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
26.2%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
78.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
13.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
26.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
84.8%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
62.9%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
5.9 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
Denver
Santa Ana
2018
100
124
0.50
0.34
25.4
14.2
27.9
27.0
N/A
N/A
29.2
27.5
8.6
12.3
0.7
0.7
2017
95
129
0.49
0.35
25.9
13.9
27.6
29.1
N/A
N/A
22.0
26.7
8.4
13.6
0.8
0.5
2016
90
107
0.53
0.35
27.7
12.6
27.2
29.2
N/A
N/A
22.6
24.1
8.7
12.7
1.0
0.2
2015
101
128
0.53
0.32
27.8
13.4
25.2
29.6
N/A
N/A
21.0
25.0
10.4
14.7
1.0
0.2
2014
94
127
0.53
0.29
25.4
13.2
24.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
25.1
26.7
10.1
15.9
1.3
0.4
2013
85
123
0.45
0.34
21.9
13.9
24.0
27.6
N/A
0.003
24.4
28.8
N/A
14.0
1.5
0.3
2012
91
115
0.33
0.31
18.9
12.9
26.2
26.7
N/A
0.004
24.9
27.5
N/A
14.5
1.4
0.1
2011
91
118
0.34
0.31
18.1
14.8
25.8
27.1
N/A
0.006
23.7
27.5
N/A
15.9
1.6
0.7
2010
82
107
0.43
0.34
16.3
14.4
23.6
26.5
N/A
0.011
26.4
23.5
N/A
14.6
1.0
0.6
2009
79
133
0.41
0.35
14.1
16.0
23.1
27.7
0.005
0.010
22.2
24.4
N/A
14.9
1.3
1.1
2008
85
138
0.43
0.38
17.3
17.1
26.0
28.2
0.008
0.010
25.2
30.1
N/A
21.6
1.6
1.1
2007
96
121
0.37
0.36
20.6
17.0
21.9
27.1
0.007
0.012
30.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
0.8
2006
89
120
0.51
0.40
19.0
17.7
22.1
26.6
0.008
0.007
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.3
2005
86
119
0.57
0.40
21.3
18.2
20.9
28.3
0.068
0.013
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.3
2004
82
128
0.60
0.50
21.2
19.4
19.2
31.2
0.012
0.014
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.6
2003
106
139
0.60
0.64
21.2
22.3
20.8
28.3
0.015
0.029
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.1
2002
86
122
0.65
0.66
19.2
22.3
20.4
25.1
0.014
0.019
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.7
2001
95
120
0.86
0.76
23.6
22.6
18.6
25.1
0.012
0.036
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.5
2000
93
127
0.81
0.80
13.4
25.7
19.2
23.7
0.013
0.028
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
19.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
6,931.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
32%
Transportation
Denver boasts a comprehensive bus and light rail system operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), and a growing network of bike lanes. The city also has an international airport providing good connectivity. Santa Ana has a network of bus routes operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and access to airports such as John Wayne Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Both cities face traffic issues especially during peak hours, with Santa Ana experiencing higher traffic congestion.
Transport
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
602
150
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Bicycle
1.5%
0.2%
Bus
2.6%
0.9%
Carpooled
8.8%
12%
Car alone
81.1%
83.6%
Railroad
1.2%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.8%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Average
29.4 min
30.4 min
Other means
24.2 min
25.5 min
Public transportation
38 min
48.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.6%
84.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
11.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
2.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate costs are significantly higher in Santa Ana than in Denver. The median home costs in Santa Ana is around $590,600, while in Denver it’s around $426,200. Renting is higher as well. However, the real estate market in both cities is competitive due to high demand.
Neighborhoods
Denver has a diverse range of neighborhoods, from the vibrant nightlife of the LoDo district to the historic charm of Capitol Hill. Santa Ana also offers a variety of neighborhoods, ranging from the historic homes in Floral Park to the artsy lofts in the Downtown area. Both cities have seen revitalization efforts in various neighborhoods, improving living conditions and attracting new residents.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Houses
351,829
80,604
Average household size (people)
2.2
4.4
Median year apartment built
1981
1974
Median year house/condo built
1966
1962
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
15.9 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
78,674 (97.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
35,317 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
43,357 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$1,407
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,836
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$976,981
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$623,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$724,856
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$512,474
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$351,406
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$406,926
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$125,004
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$492,339
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$648,392
Median house age
47
53
Renting percentage
50%
52.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
2,969.6
House value disparities
26.4%
21.7%
Household income disparities
44%
40.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$120,617
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$74,449
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
318 (1.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
1,175 (4.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
25,378 (98.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
23 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
1,438 (5.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
5
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
3.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Santa Ana
One, detached
42.9%
46.4%
One, attached
8.3%
5.8%
Two
2.1%
3.6%
3 or 4
3.1%
7.3%
5 to 9
3.6%
5.7%
10 to 19
7.0%
8.8%
20 to 49
10.4%
6.3%
50 or more
22.0%
11.0%
Mobile homes
0.4%
4.9%
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
13,591
State government workers
15,204
3,716
Unpaid family workers
763
355
Industries and Occupations
In Denver, the dominant industries are professional and business services, health and education services, and trade, transportation and utilities. The prominent occupations centre around management, business, science and arts. Santa Ana's economy, in contrast, is driven by industries such as educational services, healthcare, and social assistance and retail trade. Top occupations in Santa Ana are generally focused on sales, office, and administrative support.
Denver offers top-notch health care with some nationally recognized hospitals like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Denver Health. Numerous clinics and medical centers offer widespread access to healthcare. Similarly, Santa Ana has reliable healthcare facilities with well-regarded hospitals such as Santa Ana Hospital Medical Center and Kindred Hospital Santa Ana. Health services are accessible with both cities having several clinics and specialized medical facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-developed infrastructures, but Denver's rapid growth has put a strain on its facilities resulting in more traffic congestion. Santa Ana's infrastructure, while aging in areas, benefits from California’s significant transit and road funding. Both cities have plans and investments for infrastructure improvement and expansion.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Santa Ana
Hospitals
16
9
TV stations
17
2
Bank branches located here
205
31
Bank institutions located here
43
13
Main business address for public companies
58
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Santa Ana
1999
2,727
955
2000
2,698
834
2001
1,996
725
2002
1,591
933
2003
2,472
1,222
2004
3,789
1,657
2005
5,168
2,302
2006
5,506
2,615
2007
3,599
1,456
2008
1,902
694
2009
768
399
Culture and Food
Both cities have a rich cultural scene. Denver is known for its craft brewery scene, food festivals, museums, and live music. The Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre are just a few highlights. Santa Ana, with its strong Hispanic influence, boasts some of the best Mexican food in the country, festive cultural events, and numerous art galleries. The Bowers Museum, DISCOVERY Cube, and the Historic Downtown offer cultural experiences unique to the city.
Sports Teams
Denver is home to four major professional sports teams: the Denver Broncos (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rockies (MLB), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL), offering year-round entertainment for sports enthusiasts. Santa Ana does not have professional sports teams within the city, but residents have access to major sports teams in the nearby Los Angeles area such as the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), and Los Angeles Kings (NHL).
Denver, CO
Santa Ana, CA
Denver, CO and 
Santa Ana, CA : 824.9 miles
