Is Washington, DC cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 38.2% more expensive than Denver, CO. This translates to spending an extra $2864 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $184,363.636 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 91.2% more expensive than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $2864 more per month than Denver, CO, or $34364 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.9K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $184.4K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 38.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,864

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$34.4K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:138

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Washington, DC

Category	Denver, CO	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $2,963more	91.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $423more	29.0%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $49.96more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$508/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 91.2%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$2,963

🚗Transportation

↑ 29.0%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$423

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$49.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Denver, CO

$519

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$10.93

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Denver, CO

$632

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Washington, DC 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$2,150

↑ $430

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$2,215

↑ $375

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,470

↑ $280

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$3,115

↑ $245

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$3,475

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Washington

$513K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 8% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$379

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.