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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Denver is 38% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,770/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 55%
$91,681/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 38%
$586,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 77%
$1,839/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 43%
713,734
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $972/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $11,664/year.

Median household income is $34,788/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Denver or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Cambridge?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $972/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Cambridge?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $34,788/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Cambridge details →

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