Cost of Living in Denver, Colorado (2026)
COL Index
122
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$2,000
per month
Median HHI
$75K
per year
State Tax
4.4%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Denver |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,600 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,000 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,700 |
| Median home price | $530K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 102 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $65 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $114 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.30 |
| Car insurance/mo | $155 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $140 |
| Internet/mo | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $75K |
| State income tax rate | 4.4% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.8% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 122 |
| Walk score / 100 | 60 |
Is Denver affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,582/mo take-home
77% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,977/mo take-home
67% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,573/mo take-home
56% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,466/mo take-home
45% rent burden · Tight
$80K
~$4,763/mo take-home
42% rent burden · Tight
$100K
~$5,954/mo take-home
34% rent burden · Manageable
$120K
~$6,715/mo take-home
30% rent burden · Manageable
$150K
~$8,394/mo take-home
24% rent burden · Comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only