Denver’s no longer the hidden gem it was a decade ago — and that means the cost of living has caught up. If you’re planning to move to the Mile High City, you’re probably wondering what kind of income it takes to live comfortably in Denver. We break it down for 2025: housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and more, and finally answer the question, What salary do you need to live comfortably in Denver.
Cost of Living Overview
Denver’s cost of living is about 12% higher than the U.S. average. The biggest expense? Housing. According to Zillow, the median home price is $580,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $2,300/month (RentCafe – https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/co/denver/).
What ‘Comfortable’ Means
For this guide, ‘living comfortably’ in Denver means being able to pay for essentials — housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — while saving at least 10%, avoiding debt, and enjoying basic entertainment and travel.
Estimated Monthly Expenses (Single Adult)
- Housing: $2,300 (rent)
- Utilities: $180
- Transportation (car + gas/insurance): $450
- Groceries: $450
- Healthcare: $350
- Entertainment/Misc.: $300
Total: ~$4,030/month
Estimated Comfortable Salary (Single)
Following the 50/30/20 rule and accounting for taxes, a single adult needs to earn around $78,000–$85,000 per year to live comfortably in Denver.
Estimated Comfortable Salary (Family of Four)
- Housing (3BR): $3,200
- Childcare: $1,500
- Groceries: $950
- Healthcare: $850
- Transportation: $700
- Misc./Savings: $700
Total: ~$7,900/monthA family would need to earn $135,000–$150,000 annually to live comfortably in Denver (MIT Living Wage Calculator – https://livingwage.mit.edu/metros/19740).
How Denver Compares Nationally
Denver’s affordability is better than cities like San Francisco and Seattle, but more expensive than Austin, Phoenix, or Kansas City. It ranks mid-high among major U.S. metros for cost of living.
FAQ: Salary & Cost of Living in Denver
Q: Is $100,000 a good salary in Denver?
A: Yes, for a single adult without children, this allows for comfort and savings.
Q: Can you live in Denver on $60,000?
A: You can, but it may require sharing rent or compromising on location and savings.
Q: What areas of Denver are most affordable?
A: Areas like Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, and parts of Aurora tend to offer lower housing costs.
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