Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Washington, DC (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Washington

District of Columbia
171

Denver is 24% cheaper than Washington.

$1,770/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,900/mo ↑ 7%
$91,681/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$106,287/yr ↑ 16%
$586,700 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$724,600 ↑ 24%
$1,839/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,103/mo ↑ 14%
713,734
Population
672,079

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.56%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Washington, DC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $14,606/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $724,600 in Washington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Washington — common questions

Is Denver or Washington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Washington?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Washington it's $1,900/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Washington?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $106,287 in Washington. Median household income is $14,606/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and District of Columbia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Washington?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Washington has a cost index of 171 with rent of $1,900/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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