City Cost of Living ReportColorado (CO)
Denver, CO Cost of Living
Detailed 2026 economic index for Denver. Compare median home values ($565,000), average monthly rent ($2050/mo), local taxes, groceries, and salary conversion equivalents.
Overall COL Index
111.8
12% above US avgMedian Income$78,177
Median Home Price$565,000
Median Rent$2050/mo
Population713,252
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Cost Index Breakdown vs US Average (100)
Scores above 100 represent higher than national average costs; scores below 100 indicate greater affordability.
US Baseline = 100
Housing Index
+31% higher131.2
Food & Groceries
+1% higher101.4
Utilities
-10% lower90.2
Transportation
+5% higher104.6
Healthcare
-2% lower97.8
Itemized Cost Breakdown in Denver
Monthly Groceries
| Gallon of Whole Milk | $3.45 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread | $2.90 |
| Dozen Large Eggs | $3.60 |
| Boneless Chicken Breast (1 lb) | $4.15 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.15 |
| Estimated Monthly Grocery Bill | $420/mo |
Utilities & Internet
| Electricity (900 sq ft apartment) | $115.00 |
| Water & Garbage Service | $50.00 |
| High-Speed Broadband Internet (60+ Mbps) | $65.00 |
| Natural Gas Heating | $60.00 |
| Average Monthly Utilities Total | $290/mo |
Transportation & Transit
| Regular Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.35 |
| Monthly Public Transit Pass | $114.00 |
| Taxi Initial Tariff | $3.00 |
| Average Commute Time | 26 mins |
| Est. Monthly Commuter Cost | $340/mo |
Healthcare & Medical
| Primary Care Doctor Visit | $130 |
| Dental Checkup & Cleaning | $115 |
| Optometrist Eye Exam | $105 |
| Average Prescription Rx | $50 |
| Individual Policy Monthly Premium | $415/mo |
Tax Structure in Denver, CO
Understanding state income, local sales tax, and effective property tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.4%
Top state income tax bracketCombined Sales Tax
8.81%
State (2.9%) + Local (5.91%)Effective Property Tax
0.51%
Est. $2,881.5/yr on median homeFederal Tax Baseline
US Standard
Standard IRS tax brackets applyAdvertisementSlot #city-mid-rectangle
Interactive Historical Trends & Charts
Housing & Rent Inflation Trend (2020 – 2026)
Category Breakdown vs National Benchmark
Pros of Living in Denver
- •Immediate gateway to Rocky Mountain skiing, hiking, and camping
- •Over 300 days of annual sunshine
- •Low state property tax rates (0.51%)
Cons of Living in Denver
- •High housing costs compared to national average
- •Dry high-altitude climate requires hydration & skin adjustments
Top Neighborhoods in Denver
RiNo (River North)
Industrial-chic district filled with art galleries and breweries
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2200/mo
Washington Park
Classic brick bungalows surrounding a premier 165-acre city park
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2100/mo
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Historic core with Coors Field, Union Station, and dining
Avg Neighborhood Rent:$2350/mo
Frequently Asked Questions — Living in Denver, CO
Authoritative 2026 economic index, housing market, and salary questions.
The overall cost of living index for Denver, CO is 111.8, benchmarked against the US national average baseline of 100. This means Denver is 12% more expensive than the national average.