Skyline of Denver
Cost of Living: 128.5 716,492

Denver, CO, US

Mile High City with 300 days of sunshine, craft beer, and easy mountain access.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 128.5

Very High vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 168.3

Very Expensive

Median Income $85,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.1%

Job market health

Denver vs US Average

Cost of Living
Denver: 128.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Denver: 168.3
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Denver: 4.4%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.4%
  • Sales Tax: 8.8%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $85,000
  • Unemployment: 3.1%
  • Population: 716,492

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 300/year
  • Summer High: 89°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $580,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1850/mo

Cost of Living

Denver's cost of living index is 128.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryDenverNational AverageDifference
Overall128.5100+28.5%
Housing168.3100+68.3%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$580,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1850/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,313/mo
Price per Sq Ft$386

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Denver:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$306Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$65Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$55Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$30Private service
Total Utilities$566Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Denver

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,220/mo.

Denver Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $2,035/mo.

East Denver

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,665/mo.

West Denver

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,758/mo.

Remote Work Score

Denver scores 105/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Fair
  • Climate: 300 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Fair

Climate

Denver has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April74°F33°F2.8"
July89°F64°F1.5"
October69°F36°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.4%
  • Sales Tax: 8.81%
  • Property Tax: ~0.55% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Denver, CO, US?

The cost of living index in Denver is 128.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Denver?

The median home price in Denver is $580,000. The housing index is 168.3.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Denver is approximately $1850/mo.

Does Denver, CO have income tax?

Denver is in CO, which has an income tax rate of 4.4%.

What is the climate like in Denver?

Denver enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,89°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.18°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.