Is Denver, CO cheaper than Parker, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 5.6% more expensive than Parker, CO. This translates to spending an extra $419 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Parker, CO, you'd need approximately $155,022.197 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 17.3% more expensive than in Parker, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,876/month in Parker, CO.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $419 more per month than Parker, CO, or $5022 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Parker, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $419/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.0K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$419

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.0K

Per year

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

Parker, CO

Population:63K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$668K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$513K

Parker, CO

The Centennial State

63K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 63K 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: Parker, CO vs Denver, CO

Category	Parker, CO	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,769/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $479more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,681/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $93.79more	5.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,384/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $77.25more	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,002/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $27.57more	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$615/mo	$632/mo	↑ $16.93more	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$505/mo	$519/mo	↑ $13.90more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.3%

Parker, CO

$2,769

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$479

📦Other

↑ 5.6%

Parker, CO

$1,681

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$93.79

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Parker, CO

$1,384

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$77.25

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.8%

Parker, CO

$1,002

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$27.57

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.8%

Parker, CO

$615

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$16.93

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Parker, CO

$505

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$13.90

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Parker, 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$1,473

To$1,720

↑ $247

1 Bed

From$1,578

To$1,840

↑ $262

2 Bed

From$1,876

To$2,190

↑ $314

3 Bed

From$2,455

To$2,870

↑ $415

Parker, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,960–$1,960/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.

$7,956

Monthly in Parker, CO

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$709

Difference

Home Values

Parker

Denver

$668K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$668K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 23% less expensive than Parker

Calculate payment - Parker 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

Parker, 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

Parker, 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.