Cost of Living in Denver, United States
United States · North America
$3,500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
88
Cost Index
NYC=100
88
Rent Index
NYC=100
76
Quality of Life
Good
52
Safety Index
Moderate
0.7M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $18 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $75 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $11 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $8 |
| Cappuccino | $5.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2.2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $3.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.3 |
| Eggs (12) | $4.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $11 |
| Beef (1kg) | $15 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.7 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4.3 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.4 |
| Onion (1kg) | $2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $3 |
| Monthly Pass | $114 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $26000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $130 |
| Mobile Plan | $60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $62 |
| Fitness Club/month | $82 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $2,200/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,600/mo |
| 3BR Center | $4,300/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,900/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Denver — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Denver, United States is approximately $3,500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Denver has a cost index of 88, making it around 12% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Denver costs around $1,600/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $2,200/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $4,300/month. The rent index is 88 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Denver scores 76/100 on the quality of life index and 52/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 74/100. The climate index is 72/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Denver is approximately $5,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 90/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Denver
The average monthly salary in Denver is approximately $5,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 90/100.
Healthcare Costs in Denver
Healthcare quality in Denver is rated 74/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Denver
Denver has a quality of life score of 76/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Denver
Students living in Denver should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Denver
Expats moving to Denver often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Denver, United States is approximately $3,500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 88 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Denver
Living in Denver offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 88 and a quality of life score of 76/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $5,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Denver provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Denver
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,500
- Cost Index: 88
- Rent Index: 88
- Average Salary: $5,200
- Quality of Life: 76/100
- Safety Score: 52/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Denver Expensive?
Denver has a cost index of 88 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Denver compare to other cities?
Denver is located in North America with a population of approximately 0.7M. At a cost index of 88 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Denver stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Denver?
The average cost of living in Denver, United States is approximately $3,500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 88 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Denver?
Rent in Denver varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 88 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Denver alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Denver expensive to live in?
Denver has a cost index of 88 compared to New York City (100). At 88, Denver is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,500.
What is the quality of life in Denver?
Denver has a quality of life index of 76/100 and a safety index of 52/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Denver compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Denver with any city worldwide. Denver's cost index is 88 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Denver?
Many residents live comfortably in Denver with a monthly budget of around $3,500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Denver good for expats?
Denver is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Denver?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Denver.
Is Denver cheaper than New York?
Yes, Denver has a cost index of 88 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Denver?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Denver.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Denver
Cheapest Ways to Live in Denver
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Denver typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,600/month compared to $2,200/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Denver, United States.
Is Denver Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 90/100 and a quality of life score of 76/100, Denver is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 88 relative to New York City, Denver remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Denver Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Denver", "Denver monthly expenses 2026", and "is Denver affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,500, a safety score of 52/100, and healthcare rated 74/100, Denver offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026