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Cost of Living in Denver County

Is it better to rent or buy in Denver County? 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.

$104,523
$1,915/mo

Median in area: $1,915

$650,669

Median in area: $650,669

$130,134

If you Rent

🔑
$2,058 /mo
Base Rent$1,915
Est. Utilities$143
% of Income23.6%
Pre-tax Residual$6,652

If you Buy

🏠
$4,183 /mo
P&I (6.92%)$3,435
Taxes & Ins$605
Est. Utilities$143
% of Income48.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,527

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Denver County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyJefferson County, CO
$2,092/mo
countyArapahoe County, CO
$2,147/mo
countyAdams County, CO
$2,011/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Denver County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Denver County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,058, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,183 per month (a difference of $2,125).

How much do utilities cost in Denver County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Denver County is approximately $143. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Denver County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $82,320 per year.