Is Denver, CO cheaper than Arvada, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 4.0% more expensive than Arvada, CO. This translates to spending an extra $300 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Arvada, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Arvada, CO, you'd need approximately $153,605.468 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arvada, CO and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 15.6% more expensive than in Arvada, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,594/month in Arvada, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arvada, CO to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $300 more per month than Arvada, CO, or $3605 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arvada, CO vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Arvada, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Arvada, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $300/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$300

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arvada, CO

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$570K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$513K

Arvada, CO

The Centennial State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arvada, CO vs Denver, CO

Category	Arvada, CO	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,811/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $437more	15.6%
📦Other	$1,706/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $68.35more	4.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,405/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $56.30more	4.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,009/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $20.02more	2.0%
🏥Healthcare	$620/mo	$632/mo	↑ $12.29more	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$509/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.10more	2.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.6%

Arvada, CO

$2,811

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$437

📦Other

↑ 4.0%

Arvada, CO

$1,706

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$68.35

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.0%

Arvada, CO

$1,405

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$56.30

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.0%

Arvada, CO

$1,009

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$20.02

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Arvada, CO

$620

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$12.29

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.0%

Arvada, CO

$509

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$10.10

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Arvada, CO has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,254

To$1,720

↑ $466

1 Bed

From$1,340

To$1,840

↑ $500

2 Bed

From$1,594

To$2,190

↑ $596

3 Bed

From$2,088

To$2,870

↑ $782

Arvada, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,000/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,060

Monthly in Arvada, CO

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$604

Difference

Home Values

Arvada

Denver

$570K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +21.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$519K - $629K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 10% less expensive than Arvada

Calculate payment - Arvada Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Arvada, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Arvada, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.