Cost of Living in Denver, Colorado
Denver offers mountain access and a strong job market at costs below the coastal hubs. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Denver — housing, taxes, and category-by-category indices.
Cost of living in Denver, CO
Denver has an overall cost-of-living index of 128 (national average = 100). The Colorado state income-tax rate is approximately 4.4%.
Median home price: $643,000. Median rent (2BR): $2,680 (1BR $2,300, 3BR $3,520).
| Category | Index (US avg = 100) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 153 |
| Utilities | 120 |
| Transportation | 124 |
| Groceries | 115 |
| Healthcare | 113 |
| Childcare | 131 |
| Dining Out | 125 |
| Entertainment | 122 |
| Insurance | 117 |
| Consumer Goods | 114 |
Relocation score: 5.2 / 10 (affordability 5, housing 4.1, taxes 5.8).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Denver expensive to live in?
- Denver sits moderately above the national average, driven by housing, but remains cheaper than Seattle, the Bay Area, or the Northeast. Colorado levies a flat state income tax.
- What salary do you need to live comfortably in Denver?
- It depends on household size and housing choice. Use the calculator above to model an equivalent salary based on your current city and lifestyle.
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