Direct Answer
Denver, CO has a CostOfCity index of 128, which is 28% above the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,831/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $4,889/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Denver: The Full Picture
Whether you're a longtime Denver resident or considering this western large city for a potential move, understanding local costs is essential. The city's economy — a biotech-and-aerospace economy where defense contracts and pharmaceutical R&D fund premium salaries — creates a pricing environment that national data can't capture. Mild temperatures keep utility costs moderate, but the high cost of environmental compliance adds to construction and renovation budgets. Here's what the numbers look like across 62 categories.
Denver Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Denver cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Denver has a tech-driven economy where high tech-sector salaries inflate prices across every category
The housing market features one of the tighter housing markets in the region, where inventory stays low and prices stay high
Mild temperatures keep utility costs moderate, but the high cost of environmental compliance adds to construction and renovation budgets.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Farm-to-table dining and a health-conscious culture where premium grocery and fitness options are easy to find..
Denver's cost index of 128 means you'll pay 28% more than the national average — noticeable but manageable for most working professionals, especially given local salary adjustments.
💰 Purchasing Power in Denver
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Denver, your dollar buys 22% less than the national average.
🔺 Where Denver Costs More
🔽 Where Denver Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Denver
What it actually costs to live in Denver each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Denver's cost index of 128 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Denver's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Proximity to the coast or mountains drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Denver vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Denver
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
+44%HVAC Installation
+44%Plumbing Services
+37%Electrical Work
+42%Kitchen Remodel
+43%Bathroom Remodel
+62%House Painting
+30%Flooring Installation
+39%Landscaping
+6%Fence Installation
+42%Window Replacement
+27%Solar Panel Installation
+49%Water Heater Replacement
+47%Deck Building
+24%Pool Installation
+45%Tree Removal
+14%Garage Door Repair
+43%💼 Business Startup Costs in Denver
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
+63%Start a Coffee Shop
+40%Start a Food Truck
+13%Start a Gym
+31%Start a Daycare
+13%Start a Hair Salon
+37%Start a Laundromat
+15%Start a Bakery
+6%Start a Bar
+51%Start a Cleaning Business
+6%Start an Airbnb
+30%Start a Trucking Business
+11%📊 Cost of Living in Denver
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
+22%Rent Prices
+30%Grocery Costs
+39%Utility Costs
+13%Transportation Costs
+20%Childcare Costs
+18%Gym Membership
+7%🛡️ Insurance in Denver
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
+8%Home Insurance
-5%Health Insurance
+6%Business Insurance
+8%Life Insurance
+22%Renters Insurance
-4%Pet Insurance
+35%Dental Insurance
0%Motorcycle Insurance
+41%⚖️ Legal Services in Denver
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+4%Divorce Lawyer
+9%DUI Lawyer
+18%Immigration Lawyer
+33%Estate Planning Lawyer
+17%Workers Comp Lawyer
+19%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+17%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Denver
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+33%Registered Nurse Salary
+22%Teacher Salary
+30%Electrician Salary
+54%Plumber Salary
+47%Accountant Salary
+21%Physical Therapist Salary
+16%Police Officer Salary
+35%Dentist Salary
+51%Real Estate Agent Salary
+44%How Much Income Do You Need in Denver?
✅ Best For
- Those willing to trade cost for opportunity
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- High earners seeking career growth
- Professionals in specialized fields
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious retirees
- Large families on a single income
- Entry-level workers without savings
Before moving to Denver, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. A higher gross salary doesn't always mean more spending power here.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Denver
What is the median household income in Denver?
The median household income in Denver is approximately $73,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 128), this may stretch less than the raw number suggests.
Is Denver a good place to start a business?
Denver's business environment is shaped by CO's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Higher operating costs require stronger revenue projections, but the market also tends to support higher price points. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Is Denver, CO expensive to live in?
Denver's cost of living index is 128, which is 28% above the national average of 100. This makes Denver one of the more expensive cities in the US.
Explore Denver in Depth
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Compare Denver Costs Nationally
See how Denver ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Denver cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Denver, CO
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