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Cost of Living in Denver

Is it better to rent or buy in Denver? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$104,262
$1,886/mo

Median in area: $1,886

$663,354

Median in area: $663,354

$132,671

If you Rent

🔑
$2,023 /mo
Base Rent$1,886
Est. Utilities$137
% of Income23.3%
Pre-tax Residual$6,666

If you Buy

🏠
$4,131 /mo
P&I (6.591%)$3,386
Taxes & Ins$608
Est. Utilities$137
% of Income47.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,557

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Denver?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Denver. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,023, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,131 per month (a difference of $2,108).

How much do utilities cost in Denver?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Denver is approximately $137. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Denver?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Denver without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $80,920 per year.