Cost of Living in Denver, CO
Denver's cost of living index is 128 — making it 21.9% more expensive than the US national average. To maintain your current standard of living here, you would need to earn $128,000 for every $100,000 of national-average income.
The Denver Tax & Cost Impact
Denver offers a balanced tax profile. While Colorado does have an income tax, it remains competitive compared to coastal hubs, especially when adjusted for local housing costs.
Decision Matrix
- ✓Housing: Expect a major "Housing Premium" here.
- ✓Savings Rate: To save $2,000/mo here, you need a gross household income of ~$107,520.
COL Index
128
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$6,400
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.7M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
Colorado
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Denver vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $2,343 | +$693 |
| Groceries | $650 | $796 | +$146 |
| Transportation | $800 | $1,002 | +$202 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $478 | +$78 |
| Utilities | $300 | $384 | +$84 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,469 | +$269 |
| Total | $5,000 | $6,400 | +$1,400 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Denver, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$64,000
$75,000 nationally
$96,000
$100,000 nationally
$128,000
$150,000 nationally
$192,000
What Your Salary Gets You in Denver
Here's how different salary levels translate to monthly purchasing power in Denver, CO, where the cost of living is 28% above the national average.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
FAQ: Cost of Living in Denver
Is Denver expensive to live in?
Denver's cost of living index is 128, which is significantly above the national average of 100. Housing is typically the biggest factor, with estimated monthly rent around $2,112.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Denver?
To maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Denver, you'd need approximately $96,000 per year, which is equivalent to a $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living.
How does Denver compare to other cities?
Denver is comparable in cost to Miami, Portland, Sacramento. More affordable alternatives include Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore.