Salary Needed to Live in Denver as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $75,372/year to live comfortably in Denver, CO — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$75,372
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$59,885
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,643
25% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Denver
| Expense | Denver | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $267 | $209 | +28% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $73 | $44 | +66% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $28 | $28 | 0% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $50 | $44 | +14% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $190 | $215 | -12% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $53 | $54 | -2% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,536 | $1,200 | +28% |
| Internet + Phones | $230 | $180 | +28% |
| Children Activities | $320 | $250 | +28% |
| Dining Out | $448 | $350 | +28% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $256 | $200 | +28% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $192 | $150 | +28% |
| Total Monthly | $3,643 | $2,924 | +25% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,643
Target savings (15%):$809/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$4,452
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$75,372
Other Household Types in Denver
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Denver?
A family with kids needs approximately $75,372/year ($6,281/month gross) to live comfortably in Denver with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Denver?
A 3br apartment/house in Denver costs approximately $267/month, which is the largest single expense at 7% of the total budget.
Is Denver affordable for a family with kids?
Denver is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 25% more salary than the US median.