Is Denver, CO cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 27.6% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2072 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $125,131.579 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 47.7% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Denver, CO could save you approximately $2072 per month, or $24868 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Washington, DC

Tap to swap

Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.1K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,072

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.9K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$513K

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

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: Washington, DC vs Denver, CO

Category	Washington, DC	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$3,248/mo	↓ $2,963less	47.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $423less	22.5%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.7%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$2,963

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.5%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$423

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$49.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Washington, DC

$508

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$10.93

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Washington, DC

$632

Denver, CO

$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$2,150

To$1,720

↓ $430

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,840

↓ $375

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$2,190

↓ $280

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,870

↓ $245

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$3,475

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Denver

$556K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 8% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$379

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.