Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Boston, MA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Denver is 29% cheaper than Boston.

$1,770/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 18%
$91,681/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 3%
$586,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 21%
$1,839/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 18%
713,734
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $3,074/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Boston — common questions

Is Denver or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Boston?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Boston?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $3,074/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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