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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Denver: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

5.8% above

Cost of living in Denver is 5.8% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area (index 105.8; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Denver is $1,870 a month.

Cost of living in Denver by category

Overall prices

105.8U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+5.8% vs. U.S.

Goods
101.0 +1.0%
Housing (rents)
146.9 +46.9%
Utilities
87.9 −12.1%
Other services
99.4 −0.6%

BEA 2024 · Denver metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,870/mo

Median gross rent

+26% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,711 +32% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$2,088 +40% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,570 +53% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$636,400 +76% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,591 +27% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$112/mo

Average electric bill

−28% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
17.0¢/kWh −7% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$12.98/Mcf −33% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
87.9

EIA July 2026 · Colorado statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

24.9min

Mean travel time to work

−8% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
58.3%
Work from home
24.7%
Gasoline (Denver area)
$4.16/gal −5% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$430/wk

Center care, infant

+148% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$374/wk +144% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$332/wk +130% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$223/wk +56% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Denver County Details: Child care

Income

$92,504/yr

Median household income

+13% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
24%
Home value to income
6.9×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Denver

Median gross rent in Denver is $1,870 a month, 26% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 30.1% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 42.2% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $636,400, and 19.8% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Denver vs. Colorado vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Denver: $1,870; Colorado: $1,822; U.S.: $1,487 Denver $1,870 Colorado $1,822 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Denver: $2,591; Colorado: $2,466; U.S.: $2,035 Denver $2,591 Colorado $2,466 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Denver: $636,400; Colorado: $574,600; U.S.: $360,600 Denver $636,400 Colorado $574,600 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureDenverColoradoU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,870$1,822$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,591$2,466$2,035
Median home value$636,400$574,600$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Denver

What renters pay in Denver Share of renter households paying cash rent in Denver by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 4.8%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 5.4%. Median $1,870. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $500: 4.8% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 2.1% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 2.5% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 8% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 10.3% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 30.1% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 20% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 12% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 4.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 5.4% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,870 (Denver) 30.1%
Show the data table
RangeDenverU.S.
Less than $5004.8%6.1%
$500–$7492.1%6.8%
$750–$9992.5%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2498%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49910.3%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99930.1%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49920%13.2%
$2,500–$2,99912%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4994.8%3.2%
$3,500 or more5.4%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Denver

Home values in Denver Share of owner-occupied homes in Denver by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 1.7%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 9.1%. Median $636,400. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $100,000: 1.7% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 0.5% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 0.8% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 1.5% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 2.1% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 9.5% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 17.2% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 30.6% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 16.2% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 10.7% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 9.1% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $636,400 (Denver) 30.6%
Show the data table
RangeDenverU.S.
Less than $100,0001.7%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9990.5%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9990.8%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9991.5%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9992.1%8.5%
$300,000–$399,9999.5%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99917.2%12%
$500,000–$749,99930.6%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99916.2%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,99910.7%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more9.1%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Denver

Measure Denver Colorado U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,870$1,822$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,711$1,627$1,301
2-bedroom rent $2,088$1,857$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,570$2,178$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,591$2,466$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Denver?

At the median, rent takes about 24% of household income in Denver. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $74,800 a year.

The median home is worth $636,400, or 6.9 times the median household income.

Household income in Denver

The median household in Denver earns $92,504 a year, 13% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 20.9% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 12.4% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Denver vs. Colorado vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Denver: $92,504; Colorado: $97,113; U.S.: $81,604 Denver $92,504 Colorado $97,113 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureDenverColoradoU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$92,504$97,113$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Denver

Household income distribution in Denver Share of households in Denver by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.7%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 20.9%. Median $92,504. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $10,000: 4.7% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 5.4% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 8.7% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 13.1% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 8.8% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.4% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 9.7% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 20.9% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $92,504 (Denver) 20.9%
Show the data table
RangeDenverU.S.
Less than $10,0004.7%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.9%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.8%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.4%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.7%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.3%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.2%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9995.4%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9998.7%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99913.1%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9998.8%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.4%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9999.7%9.7%
$200,000 or more20.9%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Denver Colorado U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $92,504$97,113$81,604
Median home value $636,400$574,600$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area scored 105.8 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 146.9; the lowest is utilities at 87.9.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Denver metro area: 105.8; Colorado: 103.1; U.S.: 100.0 Denver metro area 105.8 Colorado 103.1 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Denver metro area: 101.0; Colorado: 98.7; U.S.: 99.6 Denver metro area 101.0 Colorado 98.7 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Denver metro area: 146.9; Colorado: 127.4; U.S.: 100.6 Denver metro area 146.9 Colorado 127.4 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Denver metro area: 87.9; Colorado: 85.0; U.S.: 98.4 Denver metro area 87.9 Colorado 85.0 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Denver metro area: 99.4; Colorado: 99.6; U.S.: 100.1 Denver metro area 99.4 Colorado 99.6 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureDenver metro areaColoradoU.S.
All items105.8103.1100.0
Goods101.098.799.6
Housing (rents)146.9127.4100.6
Utilities87.985.098.4
Other services99.499.6100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Colorado paid an average of 17.0¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $112 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $12.98 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices are reported statewide, so these are Colorado averages rather than figures for Denver alone.

Energy prices: Colorado vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Colorado: 17.0¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Colorado 17.0¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Colorado: $112; U.S.: $157 Colorado $112 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Colorado: $12.98; U.S.: $19.40 Colorado $12.98 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureColoradoU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)17.0¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$112$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$12.98$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Denver who commute spend an average of 24.9 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (58.3% of workers); 24.7% work from home. Regular gasoline averaged $4.16 a gallon in the Denver area in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Denver: Drove alone 58.3%, Carpooled 6.4%, Public transit 3.5%, Walked 4.1%, Bicycle 1.6%, Worked from home 24.7%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.5%. Colorado: Drove alone 65.4%, Carpooled 8.1%, Public transit 1.7%, Walked 2.7%, Bicycle 1%, Worked from home 19.9%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.3%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Denver: Drove alone. Denver Denver · Drove alone: 58.3% 58.3% Denver · Carpooled: 6.4% Denver · Public transit: 3.5% Denver · Walked: 4.1% Denver · Bicycle: 1.6% Denver · Worked from home: 24.7% 24.7% Denver · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.5% Colorado Colorado · Drove alone: 65.4% 65.4% Colorado · Carpooled: 8.1% Colorado · Public transit: 1.7% Colorado · Walked: 2.7% Colorado · Bicycle: 1% Colorado · Worked from home: 19.9% 19.9% Colorado · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.3% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationDenverColoradoU.S.
Drove alone58.3%65.4%69.2%
Carpooled6.4%8.1%9.2%
Public transit3.5%1.7%3.7%
Walked4.1%2.7%2.4%
Bicycle1.6%1%0.5%
Worked from home24.7%19.9%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.5%1.3%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Denver

Travel time to work in Denver Share of workers who do not work from home in Denver by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 1.7%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 0.7%. Mean 24.9 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than 5 min: 1.7% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 6.8% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 10.7% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 16.3% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 17% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 7.5% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 20.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 4.5% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 4.6% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 6.2% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 3.8% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 0.7% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 24.9 min (Denver) 20.3%
Show the data table
RangeDenverU.S.
Less than 5 min1.7%2.8%
5–9 min6.8%9.4%
10–14 min10.7%13.1%
15–19 min16.3%15%
20–24 min17%14.1%
25–29 min7.5%7%
30–34 min20.3%13.7%
35–39 min4.5%3.4%
40–44 min4.6%4.1%
45–59 min6.2%8.3%
60–89 min3.8%6.3%
90 min or more0.7%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Denver

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $430 a week in Denver County, or $22,357 over 52 weeks. That is 148% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Denver County Colorado (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $430$235$174
Center-based care, toddler $374$215$153
Center-based care, preschool $332$202$144
Center-based care, school-age $160$149$120
Home-based family care, infant $223$187$143
Home-based family care, toddler $219$183$132
Home-based family care, preschool $219$183$131
Home-based family care, school-age $180$158$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Denver prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Denver?

Median rent is $1,711 for a one-bedroom and $2,088 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Denver?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 9.4% pay less than $1,000 a month, 48.4% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 42.2% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Denver?

To keep the median rent of $1,870 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $74,800 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Denver more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area at 105.8 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 5.8% above average. Housing rents score 146.9.

How long is the average commute in Denver?

24.9 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Denver?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $430 a week in Denver County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.