Cost of Living in Denver, CO
Population 713,734 · Colorado · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Denver sits 92% above the national median — $587,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $91,681 (23% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Denver
The median home value in Denver is $586,700 — 92% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,770/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $91,681/year is 23% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Colorado's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.8%. The climate averages highs of 66.2°F and lows of 36.5°F, with about 49" of annual snowfall. Overall, Denver has a cost of living index of 169 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 69% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 47 | 48 | 56 | 63 | 72 | 84 | 90 | 88 | 80 | 67 | 55 | 46 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 53 | 59 | 57 | 48 | 36 | 26 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.46 | 0.53 | 1.12 | 1.67 | 2.29 | 1.68 | 2.12 | 1.83 | 1.51 | 0.98 | 0.70 | 0.47 |
| Snow" | 6.4 | 7.6 | 8.8 | 6.2 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 7.3 | 6.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO?
Denver has a cost index of 169 (100 = national average). It is 69% above the national average.
What is average rent in Denver, CO?
The median gross rent in Denver is $1,770 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Denver?
The median home value in Denver is $586,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Denver?
The median household income in Denver is $91,681 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Denver, CO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Denver is 7.8%. The Colorado state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Denver, CO affordable?
Denver is above average in cost of living, with an index of 169 — about 69% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Denver?
Denver has average high temperatures of 66.2°F and average lows of 36.5°F. Annual precipitation is 15.4". Average annual snowfall is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Denver at a Glance
- Population
- 713,734
- Median Income
- $91,681
- Home Value
- $586,700
- Median Rent
- $1,770/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.8%
Nearby Cities
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Colorado Rankings
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