How Expensive Is Denver, CO?
Living in Denver is about 6% more expensive than the U.S. average.
Based on official federal data, Denver has an overall cost-of-living index of 105.8, where 100 is the national average. That places it 6% above the national average. The typical household earns $91,681 a year and pays a median rent of $1,770 a month.
Cost of Living Index in Denver
The index compares local prices to the national average of 100. Here is how Denver breaks down by category.
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | vs. average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105.8 | +6% |
| Housing (rents) | 146.9 | +47% |
| Goods | 101.0 | +1% |
| Other services | 87.9 | -12% |
Housing and Rent in Denver
The median gross rent in Denver is $1,770 a month, and the median home value is $586,700. The table below shows HUD Fair Market Rents by apartment size for the metro area.
| Apartment size | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,643 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,754 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,089 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,734 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,049 |
Income in Denver
The median household income in Denver is $91,681 a year. With a local cost-of-living index of 105.8, that income goes less far than it would in an average U.S. city.
Salary Needed to Live in Denver
To cover housing and everyday costs at the local price level, a single person needs an estimated $70,200 a year, and a family of four about $109,400. These estimates keep rent at roughly 30% of gross pay and adjust other costs to local prices.
These figures are estimates based on public data (BEA, Census, HUD) and a standard budget model. Actual costs vary by lifestyle.
Compare Denver With Other Cities
See how the cost of living in Denver stacks up against other U.S. cities, side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver expensive to live in?
Denver has a cost-of-living index of 105.8, which is 6% above the national average. It is more expensive than a typical U.S. city, driven mainly by housing.
How much money do you need to live in Denver?
A single person needs about $70,200 a year to live comfortably in Denver, while a family of four needs roughly $109,400, based on local rents and prices.
What is the average rent in Denver?
The median gross rent in Denver is $1,770 a month. HUD Fair Market Rent for a one-bedroom in the metro area is $1,754.
Data Sources
Cost-of-living index from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities, 2024). Income, rent, and home value from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-Year, 2023). Fair Market Rents from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (FY2026).