San Diego and Denver are two vibrant and dynamic cities with distinct lifestyles and attributes. One is a coastal paradise known for beautiful beaches and a breezy, moderate climate, while the other is a laid-back city nestled against the Rocky Mountains offering a robust outdoors lifestyle. They offer different employment sectors, costs of living, climates, and cultures. These unique characteristics shape the living experience in both cities, affecting elements such as crime and safety, weather, education, the economy, and infrastructure, among other factors.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Denver, CO : 830.0 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 94%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Denver has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) during that time.
San Diego has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, making it relatively safer. The city invests in community policing initiatives, reducing the incidence of crime. On the other hand, Denver has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, but it varies by neighborhoods. Denver Police Department's crime prevention and control efforts help keep crime rates manageable.
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 1,334 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 1,937 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,054 to 1; the ratio in Denver is 358 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Diego than in Denver.
Cost of Living
San Diego has a higher cost of living, particularly due to housing costs. Essentials like groceries, healthcare, and entertainment are also higher compared to Denver. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Colorado, Denver is still more affordable, with housing being relatively cheaper.
Income Tax
California's progressive income tax, with rates up to 13.3%, makes San Diego more expensive for earners. Colorado operates a flat income tax rate of 4.63%, which applies to everyone in Denver.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are drastically different. San Diego homeowners will pay a lower property tax rate around 0.76%, meanwhile Denver homeowners pay about 0.5%.
Sales Tax
Both cities have high sales tax rates. San Diego's is 7.75% while Denver's is 7.65%. However, you'd generally pay slightly less sales tax on purchases in Denver.
Income
Type
San Diego
Denver
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$81,630
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$52,690
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
111.3
If you make $50,000 in Denver, you will have to make $56,783 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is a coastal city with beautiful beaches and harbors. Denver is located near the Rocky Mountains, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
San Diego has excellent education facilities, including top-rated public schools, charters, and universities such as the University of California, San Diego. Denver is renowned for its education system too, featuring quality public, charter schools, and reputable higher institutions including the University of Denver.
San Diego's economy is driven by defense/military, tourism, international trade, and research. Denver has a diversified economy with strong sectors in aerospace, telecommunications, and technology. In both cities, job growth is positive and on an upward trend.
Biggest Employers
In San Diego, the biggest employers are the U.S. Navy, University of California, and Qualcomm. Denver's largest employers include Denver International Airport, HealthOne Corporation, and Lockheed Martin.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
2020
60.3%
80.1%
37.5%
18.3%
2.1%
1.6%
2016
56.3%
74.2%
36.6%
19.0%
7.1%
6.8%
2012
52.6%
73.9%
45.0%
24.3%
2.4%
1.7%
2008
54.2%
75.8%
44.0%
23.2%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
46.7%
69.7%
52.9%
29.3%
0.4%
0.9%
2000
45.8%
62.0%
49.8%
30.9%
4.5%
7.0%
1996
44.1%
61.8%
45.6%
30.0%
10.3%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
26.6%
6.7%
8.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
0.9%
12.0%
6.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.5%
1.1%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
2.0%
3.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
2.0%
3.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
2.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.2%
2.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.3%
1.1%
0.4%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
2.1%
1.5%
4.3%
Weather
Weather is perhaps one of the starkest contrasts. San Diego boasts a moderate Mediterranean climate with sunny and warm weather throughout the year, making it ideal for outdoor and beach-related activities. Denver experiences a semi-arid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including snow-filled winters. Its 300 days of sunshine a year make it a great place for winter sports.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Denver
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
49.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
17 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
64%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
San Diego
Denver
2018
101
100
0.53
0.50
11.2
25.4
32.6
27.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
29.2
10.5
8.6
0.1
0.7
2017
115
95
0.63
0.49
12.7
25.9
32.7
27.6
0.007
N/A
N/A
22.0
10.8
8.4
0.1
0.8
2016
105
90
0.46
0.53
13.0
27.7
30.4
27.2
0.006
N/A
N/A
22.6
11.4
8.7
0.1
1.0
2015
111
101
0.43
0.53
13.2
27.8
29.9
25.2
0.005
N/A
N/A
21.0
11.9
10.4
0.1
1.0
2014
105
94
0.44
0.53
11.6
25.4
31.1
24.6
0.007
N/A
N/A
25.1
11.1
10.1
0.1
1.3
2013
138
85
0.50
0.45
12.4
21.9
27.4
24.0
0.019
N/A
N/A
24.4
12.3
N/A
0.2
1.5
2012
110
91
0.53
0.33
12.7
18.9
28.0
26.2
0.019
N/A
N/A
24.9
13.6
N/A
0.2
1.4
2011
122
91
0.51
0.34
13.5
18.1
29.0
25.8
0.034
N/A
N/A
23.7
14.0
N/A
1.5
1.6
2010
109
82
0.52
0.43
14.0
16.3
29.3
23.6
0.019
N/A
N/A
26.4
13.9
N/A
1.0
1.0
2009
121
79
0.64
0.41
15.6
14.1
26.9
23.1
0.014
0.005
N/A
22.2
15.1
N/A
2.7
1.3
2008
127
85
0.71
0.43
16.1
17.3
28.4
26.0
N/A
0.008
67.3
25.2
N/A
N/A
2.6
1.6
2007
157
96
0.71
0.37
16.4
20.6
28.0
21.9
0.012
0.007
64.6
30.2
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.2
2006
123
89
0.81
0.51
18.9
19.0
27.1
22.1
0.056
0.008
64.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.4
2005
112
86
0.90
0.57
19.2
21.3
24.4
20.9
0.049
0.068
N/A
30.9
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.5
2004
120
82
0.93
0.60
18.4
21.2
25.9
19.2
0.055
0.012
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
4.6
1.8
2003
124
106
0.88
0.60
19.4
21.2
25.4
20.8
0.049
0.015
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.8
1.9
2002
125
86
0.86
0.65
20.9
19.2
25.9
20.4
0.039
0.014
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.5
2001
132
95
0.93
0.86
20.4
23.6
26.5
18.6
0.048
0.012
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.4
2.6
2000
134
93
1.02
0.81
22.3
13.4
23.8
19.2
0.054
0.013
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Denver
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
811.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
10%
Transportation
San Diego has a thorough network of buses and light-rail, but many residents rely on cars. Denver also has extensive public transit, including buses and light-rail, with a growing cycling culture due to being one of the most bike-friendly cities.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Denver
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
852
602
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Denver
Bicycle
0.6%
1.5%
Bus
2%
2.6%
Carpooled
9.4%
8.8%
Car alone
81.7%
81.1%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Denver
Average
27.4 min
29.4 min
Other means
22.7 min
24.2 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Denver
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in San Diego is more expensive, with high property values and rents. Denver's market is more affordable, but prices have been increasing, particularly in popular neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have diverse neighborhoods. In San Diego, La Jolla and North Park are desirable areas offering a mix of suburban and urban lifestyles. Denver, on the other hand, has popular neighborhoods like Cherry Creek and Capitol Hill that cater to different lifestyles.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Denver
Houses
555,456
351,829
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.2
Median year apartment built
1980
1981
Median year house/condo built
1977
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
11.3 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
326,634 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
164,429 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
162,205 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,674
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,626
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$970,375
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$541,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$690,450
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$668,727
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$410,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$487,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$174,140
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$568,100
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$644,007
Median house age
42
47
Renting percentage
51.7%
50%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
2,294.3
House value disparities
23.6%
26.4%
Household income disparities
42.3%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$120,615
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$77,011
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
2,112 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
9,615 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
123,690 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
273 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
12,819 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Denver
One, detached
43.4%
42.9%
One, attached
9.9%
8.3%
Two
1.9%
2.1%
3 or 4
6.0%
3.1%
5 to 9
9.3%
3.6%
10 to 19
7.4%
7.0%
20 to 49
6.3%
10.4%
50 or more
14.6%
22.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
24,661
State government workers
29,438
15,204
Unpaid family workers
808
763
Industries and Occupations
San Diego is a hub for the defense industry, healthcare and biotech, tourism, and education. Denver is strong in aviation, broadcast and telecommunications, healthcare, and IT. Both cities offer good job opportunities, though in different sectors.
Both cities excel in healthcare. San Diego is known for world-class healthcare facilities like UC San Diego Health. Denver is known for the Anschutz Medical Campus, which houses some of the nation's top hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Denver
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego is known for its excellent infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, great water systems, and reliable internet connection, all which make living and doing business easier. Denver also boasts impressive infrastructure with substantial investments in public transit systems and airport facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Denver
Hospitals
26
16
TV stations
13
17
Arenas or stadiums
4
4
Bank branches located here
255
205
Bank institutions located here
40
43
Main business address for public companies
92
58
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Denver
1999
3,865
2,727
2000
2,257
2,698
2001
1,754
1,996
2002
2,118
1,591
2003
5,074
2,472
2004
7,646
3,789
2005
8,409
5,168
2006
7,551
5,506
2007
5,741
3,599
2008
2,876
1,902
2009
1,675
768
Culture and Food
San Diego is renowned for its excellent Mexican cuisine and craft beer culture. It also has a rich history enriched by Spanish and Mexican influences. Denver's food scene is yet burgeoning with craft breweries and eateries highlighting Colorado's agricultural produce. Denver also has a thriving arts and music scene.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy both cities. San Diego has the Padres (MLB), while Denver is home to the Broncos (NFL), the Nuggets (NBA), the Rockies (MLB), and the Avalanche (NHL).
San Diego, CA
Denver, CO
San Diego, CA and 
Denver, CO : 830.0 miles
