Cost of living · Denver, CO · 2026
What salary do you need to live in Denver, CO?
What salary do you need to live in Denver, CO?
To cover the essentials living alone in Denver, CO — about $2,630 a month — you need to earn roughly $39,000 a year before tax (accounting for CO state tax). To live comfortably, with money left for savings, closer to $53,000. Rent alone is $1,750 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by $39,000 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable $53,000 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in Denver, CO
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | $1,750 |
| Utilities | $165 |
| Transport | $115 |
| Food | $470 |
| Health | $130 |
| Total | $2,630 |
On the $39,000 "get by" salary, your take-home is about $2,650 a month — just covering the $2,630 of essentials.
Roommates change everything. Splitting rent and utilities can cut the salary you need by tens of thousands. Run your own numbers →