So, is Denver cheap or just “less shocking”? You’ve probably heard Denver has it all: sunshine 300 days a year, a booming job market, and the mountains in your backyard. But before you pack the skis and the dog, here’s what it actually costs to live here compared to other hot cities.

Housing: The Biggest Slice of Your Paycheck

Here’s where your wallet feels it most. As of mid-2025, Denver’s median single-family home price is around $580,000 — a modest uptick after two years of slower price growth. Condos sit closer to $420,000.

By comparison:
– Austin: about $500,000, still cooling off after its pandemic spike.
– Seattle: roughly $750,000 and up for a comparable house, with intense bidding in prime neighborhoods.
– San Francisco: $1.2 million minimum for a single-family home.

Rent for a basic one-bedroom in Denver runs about $1,800–$2,200 per month, depending on how close you want to be to downtown or the tech corridor.

Day-to-Day Living Costs

Outside your mortgage or rent, Denver’s daily costs land between Austin and Seattle:
– Groceries average $400–$500 per month for one adult.
– Utilities for a 2-bedroom typically run $150–$180 monthly, higher in winter.
– Gas prices hover near $3.80 per gallon (compared to Austin’s $3.70, Seattle’s $4.20, San Francisco’s $4.90).
– Colorado has a flat state income tax of 4.4%, unlike Texas’s 0% and California’s top bracket of 13%.

Local Insight: A Buyers’ Market for Once

After a decade of rapid growth, Denver’s housing market is more balanced than ever. Inventory is up about 20% compared to last year. That means fewer bidding wars and a little more negotiating power — especially if you look in suburbs like Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, or Thornton, where prices can be 10–15% lower than downtown.

So, Is It Worth It?

If you’re moving from the Bay Area or Seattle, Denver will feel like a financial relief with the bonus of extra sunshine and less congestion. If you’re coming from Texas or the Midwest, be prepared for higher state taxes and housing costs — but many find the trade-off worth it for Denver’s job opportunities and lifestyle.

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