Salary Needed to Live in Denver (2026 Cost of Living Guide)
By Wealthvieu
·
Updated
Denver offers outdoor lifestyle with moderate costs compared to coastal metros. Here’s what you need to earn.
Quick Answer: Salary Needed for Denver
| Living Situation |
Minimum Salary |
Comfortable Salary |
| Single, Denver proper |
$55,000 |
$70,000-$100,000 |
| Single, downtown/LoDo/RiNo |
$70,000 |
$90,000-$130,000 |
| Single, suburbs |
$45,000 |
$60,000-$80,000 |
| Single, with roommates |
$38,000 |
$50,000-$70,000 |
| Family of 4, Denver |
$110,000 |
$140,000-$180,000 |
Denver Housing Costs
Denver housing has moderately high costs for the Mountain West region.
Average Rent by Area (2026)
| Area |
Studio |
1-Bedroom |
2-Bedroom |
| Downtown/LoDo |
$1,700 |
$2,200 |
$3,100 |
| RiNo/Five Points |
$1,600 |
$2,100 |
$2,900 |
| Capitol Hill |
$1,400 |
$1,850 |
$2,600 |
| Aurora |
$1,200 |
$1,500 |
$2,100 |
| Lakewood/Arvada |
$1,300 |
$1,700 |
$2,400 |
Salary Needed for Denver Rent (30% Rule)
| Apartment |
Monthly Rent |
Annual Salary Needed |
| Downtown 1BR |
$2,200 |
$88,000 |
| Average Denver 1BR |
$1,800 |
$72,000 |
| Suburbs 1BR |
$1,500 |
$60,000 |
Monthly Budget in Denver
Single Person, $80,000 Salary
After Colorado tax (4.4% flat): ~$65,800/year = $5,483/month
| Category |
Amount |
Notes |
| Rent |
$1,800 |
1BR in decent area |
| Utilities |
$150 |
Electric, internet, heat |
| Car payment + insurance |
$550 |
Car helpful in Denver |
| Gas |
$150 |
|
| Food |
$500 |
Groceries + dining |
| Phone |
$80 |
Cell plan |
| Health insurance |
$300 |
If not employer-covered |
| Entertainment |
$400 |
Outdoor activities |
| Savings |
$1,000 |
401(k), emergency |
| Discretionary |
$553 |
|
Single Person, $55,000 Salary (with roommate)
After Colorado tax: ~$45,800/year = $3,817/month
| Category |
Amount |
Notes |
| Rent |
$1,100 |
Room in shared apartment |
| Utilities |
$80 |
Split |
| Car payment + insurance |
$450 |
Older car |
| Gas |
$120 |
|
| Food |
$400 |
Mostly cooking |
| Phone |
$80 |
|
| Health insurance |
$250 |
Basic |
| Entertainment |
$300 |
Free outdoor activities |
| Savings |
$500 |
Building steadily |
| Discretionary |
$537 |
|
Colorado Tax Details
Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax:
| $80K Salary |
Colorado Take-Home |
Texas Take-Home |
| Annual |
$65,800 |
$67,500 |
| Monthly |
$5,483 |
$5,625 |
| Difference |
-$1,700/year |
|
Colorado’s low flat tax keeps it competitive.
Can You Buy a Home in Denver?
| Area |
Median Home Price |
Income Needed |
| Downtown Denver |
$550,000 |
$130,000+ |
| Denver Average |
$550,000 |
$130,000+ |
| Aurora |
$450,000 |
$105,000+ |
| Arvada |
$520,000 |
$120,000+ |
| Colorado Springs |
$420,000 |
$100,000+ |
Denver vs. Other Mountain/Tech Cities
| City |
Salary for Comfortable Living |
1BR Rent |
State Tax |
| San Francisco |
$130,000-$180,000 |
$3,200 |
13.3% max |
| Seattle |
$100,000-$140,000 |
$2,200 |
0% |
| Denver |
$70,000-$100,000 |
$1,800 |
4.4% |
| Austin |
$65,000-$90,000 |
$1,700 |
0% |
| Salt Lake City |
$55,000-$80,000 |
$1,500 |
4.65% |
Why Denver Is Attractive
- Outdoor lifestyle — 300 days of sunshine, mountains nearby
- Growing job market — Tech, aerospace, healthcare
- Moderate taxes — Flat 4.4% state tax
- Work-life balance — Ski passes are a way of life
- Cheaper than coastal cities — Get more for your money
Denver’s Unique Costs
| Extra Expense |
Annual Cost |
| Ski season pass |
$600-$900 |
| Winter gear |
$300-$500 (one-time) |
| Car winterization |
$100-$200 |
| Higher altitude adjustments |
Free but takes time |
Tips for Affording Denver
- Consider suburbs — Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada are cheaper
- Use RTD — Light rail can reduce car costs downtown
- Take advantage of free outdoors — Hiking, parks, trails
- Look at Colorado Springs — 70 miles south, 20-25% cheaper
- Negotiate ski benefits — Some employers offer Ikon/Epic passes
