Colorado · Population 713,734 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Denver
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Denver has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 147 (where 100 equals the national median), Denver residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,770/month while earning a median household income of $91,681/year.
The median home value in Denver, CO is $586,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,839 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Colorado has a moderate income tax rate of 4.4%. Combined with a 2.9% sales tax rate and 0.51% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Denver.
Common questions about living costs in Denver
Compare the cost of living in Denver, CO with 299 other major U.S. cities