Is Denver, CO cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 26.2% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $1963 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $126,442.953 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 38.4% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

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

Moving from Boston, MA to Denver, CO could save you approximately $1963 per month, or $23557 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Boston, MA

Tap to swap

Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.4K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,963

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.6K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$513K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Denver, CO

Category	Boston, MA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $2,027less	38.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $369less	20.1%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$519/mo	↓ $197less	27.5%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$632/mo	↓ $112less	15.0%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 38.4%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$2,027

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.1%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$369

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 27.5%

Boston, MA

$716

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$197

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

Boston, MA

$743

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$112

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Boston, MA 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$3,095

To$1,720

↓ $1,375

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,840

↓ $1,415

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$2,190

↓ $1,675

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,870

↓ $1,760

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$2,804

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Denver

$961K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 47% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $900

Per year

Monthly Difference

$75.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.