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

If you earn $150,000 in Bethesda, MD, you'd need approximately $128,580.117 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bethesda, MD and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 38.8% cheaper than in Bethesda, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,260/month in Bethesda, MD.

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

Moving from Bethesda, MD to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1785 per month, or $21420 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bethesda, MD vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Denver, CO cheaper than Bethesda, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 23.8% cheaper than Bethesda, MD. This translates to saving $1785 per month.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Bethesda, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,785

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.4K

Per year

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

Bethesda, MD

Population:68K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:

(24% below avg)

Median Home:$513K

Bethesda, MD

The Old Line State

68K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 68K 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: Bethesda, MD vs Denver, CO

Category	Bethesda, MD	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,309/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $2,060less	38.8%
Transportation	$1,790/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $329less	18.4%
Other	$1,733/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $41.53more	2.4%
All Utilities	$495/mo	$519/mo	↑ $23.87more	4.8%
Groceries	$1,052/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $22.48less	2.1%
Healthcare	$616/mo	$632/mo	↑ $16.09more	2.6%

Housing

↓ 38.8%

Bethesda, MD

$5,309

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$2,060

less

Transportation

↓ 18.4%

Bethesda, MD

$1,790

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$329

less

Other

↑ 2.4%

Bethesda, MD

$1,733

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$41.53

All Utilities

↑ 4.8%

Bethesda, MD

$495

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$23.87

Groceries

↓ 2.1%

Bethesda, MD

$1,052

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$22.48

less

Healthcare

↑ 2.6%

Bethesda, MD

$616

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$16.09

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Bethesda, MD 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$1,534

To$1,720

↑ $186

1 Bed

From$1,776

To$1,840

↑ $64.00

2 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,190

↓ $70.00

3 Bed

From$3,148

To$2,870

↓ $278

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.

$10,995

Monthly in Bethesda, MD

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$2,330

Difference

Home Values

Bethesda

Denver

Median Value

$513K

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $660

Per year

Monthly Difference

$55.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Bethesda, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Bethesda, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.

Environment

Bethesda

Denver

45 Good

Air Quality

55 Moderate

63.7%

Good Air Days

35.2%

98 High

Climate Risk

95 High

🌊🌀🌡

Top Hazards

🌊🌪💨

▲+2.9°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

27 days

Heat Days >95°F

28 days

▲+2.9°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

27 days

Heat Days >95°F

28 days

What to Consider When Moving from Bethesda, MD to Denver, CO

Relocating from Bethesda, MD to Denver, CO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 24% lower in Denver, CO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Denver, CO is 39% cheaper than in Bethesda, MD. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Denver, CO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Denver, CO to match your current standard of living in Bethesda, MD.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Denver, CO for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bethesda, MD vs Denver, CO

Is Denver, CO cheaper than Bethesda, MD?

Yes, Denver, CO is about 23.8% cheaper than Bethesda, MD. You could save approximately $1,785/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 39% lower in Denver, CO.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to match my lifestyle in Bethesda, MD?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Bethesda, MD, you would need approximately $128,580 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Bethesda, MD and Denver, CO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $2,260/month in Bethesda, MD compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO. One-bedroom apartments are $1,776/month in Bethesda, MD vs $1,840/month in Denver, CO. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Bethesda, MD or Denver, CO?

Groceries are about 2% cheaper in Denver, CO than in Bethesda, MD, saving a typical household roughly $22.48/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Bethesda, MD to Denver, CO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Maryland and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com