Side-by-side · Software Engineer
Los Angeles vs Denver
Move Value
+$14k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
7/10
LA: 8/10 → lateral
10-Year Outlook
+$162k
± $120k confidence band
| Los Angeles | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $162k | $138k |
| State + local income tax | 6.9% | 3.9% |
| After-tax income | $110k | $99k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 173 | 128 |
| Median 1BR rent | $2892/mo | $1887/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $64k | $77k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 18 · Thin | 78 · Strong |
| Walkability (0–10) | 5 | 6 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 9 | 10 |
Who should make this move
Choose Denver if…
- ·You want $14k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $162k ahead.
- ·Outdoors-first city with a credible tech and aerospace base.
Stay in Los Angeles if…
- ·Career Velocity is higher in LA (8/10 vs 7/10) for your field.
- ·You're optimizing for what LA uniquely offers: creative capital with coastal pay and a car-shaped lifestyle.
A note on the numbers: Salaries are role-P50 from BLS-style bands. Tax is statutory state + local at ~$110k single. The 10-year outlook uses a 3-year promotion cadence with a small velocity adjustment, 2.5% COL inflation, and discounts to today's dollars. Full assumptions on the methodology page.