Is Boston, MA cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 35.5% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $2659 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $181,909.091 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 62.4% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $2659 more per month than Denver, CO, or $31909 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.7K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $181.9K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 35.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,659

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$31.9K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:135

Median Home:$961K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Boston, MA

Category	Denver, CO	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,027more	62.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $369more	25.2%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$716/mo	↑ $197more	37.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$743/mo	↑ $112more	17.6%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 62.4%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,027

🚗Transportation

↑ 25.2%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$369

⚡All Utilities

↑ 37.9%

Denver, CO

$519

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$197

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.6%

Denver, CO

$632

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$112

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

🏛️ 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$1,720

To$3,095

↑ $1,375

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$3,255

↑ $1,415

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$3,865

↑ $1,675

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$4,630

↑ $1,760

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,804

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Boston

$513K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 87% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $900

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$75.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.