Cost of living in Denver

Excluding the higher-than-average accommodation prices, the cost of living in Denver for other expenses is similar to the national average. If you can afford to buy a home in Denver, you will likely find other living costs lower than in pricier metropolitan areas such as New York City or San Francisco.

Cost of accommodation in Denver

The cost of accommodation in Denver has increased with its population growth, although the market has stabilised since 2023. Many residents now struggle to find affordable accommodation, and some residents rent instead of buying.

That said, the city has some affordable neighbourhoods to choose from. You can find a place at a reasonable price if you are willing to sacrifice things such as proximity to the city centre or easy access to amenities.

Despite the high cost of accommodation, utilities run cheaper in Denver than in most US cities. They are a few percent below the national average, helped along by the mild winter weather and abundant sunshine. Snow tends to melt quickly here, although you’ll still need heating during the colder months.

Luckily, there are many job opportunities in Denver. New arrivals with a suitable skill set should be able to land themselves a lucrative position in one of the city’s major companies, which would afford them a good home in a desirable neighbourhood.

Accommodation in Denver 
Areas and Suburbs in Denver

Cost of transport in Denver

While transport expenses in Denver aren’t high, they run roughly in line with or slightly below the national average. Driving, as opposed to using public transport on a daily basis, is relatively affordable, but owning a car in Denver is not cheap.

Car maintenance can be expensive due to the all-weather tyres required for the mountain passes in winter. Owing to the city’s gorgeous weather most of the year, you can get around on a bicycle or on foot if you live close to work and major amenities. If this is the case, you could save money by using public transport or driving only on days when the weather doesn’t permit walking or cycling.

Getting Around in Denver

Cost of groceries in Denver

Newcomers should budget carefully for groceries in Denver. While some items like eggs and coffee run higher than the national average, overall grocery costs sit slightly above what you’d pay elsewhere in the country. If you’re on a tight budget, you can save considerably by cooking at home instead of dining out.

Buying in bulk is also a fantastic way to save money. You can also purchase fresh produce at local markets, which is great for supporting small businesses and getting the best value for your money. We also recommend buying in-season produce at supermarkets to reduce costs.

Cost of eating out and entertainment in Denver

Although you can find expensive fine dining spots, Denver’s food scene has long leaned toward affordable, flavourful eats that can be enjoyed while standing or sitting out in the sunshine. Restaurant prices have climbed recently, both nationally and locally, but good value can still be found if you know where to look.

Thanks to the Mile High City’s excellent location alongside the Rocky Mountains, much of the lifestyle in Denver is concentrated on the outdoors. Mountain biking and hiking are popular pursuits that cost little to no money, while skiing in winter can range from budget-friendly to premium, depending on where you go. You can also find a few nightlife spots across the entire cost spectrum.

Lifestyle in Denver

Cost of education in Denver

Education and schools in Denver are some of the best in the state of Colorado and the US as a whole. Public schools in Denver are free for all to attend, including international students, and their admission system includes the SchoolChoice process, meaning parents can apply to schools of their choice through a lottery-based system.

If you are not planning to stay in Denver for the long term, you will find international schools in the city offering globally recognised curricula. While these schools typically offer exceptional facilities and teaching standards, tuition fees are high, so you should structure your budget around this expense.

Education and Schools in Denver

Cost of healthcare in Denver

As is the case in the rest of the USA, healthcare in Denver is expensive. If you do not have your healthcare sponsored by your employer, you are encouraged to purchase comprehensive health insurance to avoid incurring exorbitant costs for medical treatment in the city. The price of health insurance plans will vary depending on factors such as your age and medical history.

Those buying coverage on the individual marketplace should note that premiums have risen sharply – approximately doubling for many Coloradans in 2026 due to changes in federal subsidies. Most employers offer health insurance as part of their benefits package, which tends to be more affordable than purchasing coverage independently.

Healthcare in Denver

Cost of living in Denver chart

Prices are listed in US dollars (USD) and may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Denver in January 2026.