Cost of Living in Denver

Denver has an overall cost-of-living index of 118.5 (national average = 100). This is higher than the Colorado statewide average of 103.1. Median home prices are $590,000 and average 2BR rent is $1,950/month.

Yes, Denver is more expensive than the national average with an index of 118.5. Housing is the biggest factor at 148% of the national average.

Average 2-bedroom rent in Denver is $1,950/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the Colorado statewide average of $1,523/month.

Groceries in Denver have an index of 103 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $422 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $5.10.

Center-based infant childcare in Denver averages $23,500/year ($1,958/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

Denver's housing index is 148 vs the Colorado statewide average of 108.8. Median home prices are $590,000 in Denver vs $530,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $1,950/month vs $1,523/month statewide.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $88,875 in Denver. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.

Based on Denver's cost-of-living index of 118.5, a single adult needs approximately $59,250–$69,250/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by Denver's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.