Making It Work in the Mile High City: Your Essential Guide to Denver's Living Costs

The cost of living is always an important consideration when relocating. Every person and family needs to know how far their dollar will stretch. Most large cities have a higher cost of living than rural ones, and that is no different in Denver. For many, the higher cost of living is worth it because of higher earning potential and all the amenities available. Everyone must make the best decision for themselves. I have friends and family who live in Denver, and I live about an hour south of the city. I find myself going there often to visit my friends and family, catch a game, attend a cultural event, or spend time at a water or theme park. I'm Marie, and I'm your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Denver. Read on as I break down the costs of living here and give tips to get the most for your money.

Denver Cost of Living

As of 2026, the cost of living in Denver is 25% higher than the national average and 719% higher than the state average. For singles, the cost of living is $3083 per month. This figure jumps to $6789 for a family of four. This high cost of living is attributed to many factors, including elevated housing and food costs and rising transportation costs.

Housing Costs in Denver

In February 2026, the median sale price in Denver was $570,000, an 8.8% decline from last year. Of course, this figure varies by home type. Here are the median sale prices of different home types. Is there hope that prices will come down? Only time will tell.

• $640,000 for single-family homes
• $646,000 for townhouses
• $318,000 for condos/co-ops

When it comes to renting in Denver, the price varies depending on what you are looking for and the area of town. Here is a look at average apartment rental costs in Denver.

Homes for rent in Denver are more expensive than apartments. Here is a look at the average cost to rent a home in Denver. 

Condos and townhomes generally fall within the price range between apartments and houses. Keep in mind that renting can save costs because tenants are usually not responsible for property maintenance or repairs. There are also fewer upfront costs, and renting gives flexibility, because you only need to stay in one spot until your lease runs out.

Tips to Save Money on Housing Costs in Denver

There are many things you can do to cut housing costs in Denver. First, consider downsizing or choosing the smallest footprint you can for your needs. Not only will this help with the cost of rent, but smaller spaces cost less to heat and cool. You can also consider going in on rent with friends. While prices fluctuate, for example, you could rent your own one-bedroom apartment for something like $1700, or go in with a friend and rent a two-bedroom apartment for $2200. When you split a two-bedroom rent, it is only $1,100 per person. That is a savings of $500 per month. And if you rent with a roommate, check out our guide to renting with roommates for tips on how to get along best with your shared space partner.

You can also save on costs by choosing to live in an affordable neighborhood. Sometimes, it pays to live a little farther from the city center, especially when Denver has great public transportation options. Check out these 10 best affordable neighborhoods in Denver. Some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Denver include Skyland, Cheesman Park, Capitol Hill, Valverde, and Clayton. Of course, you can sometimes get more for your money if you branch out to a Denver suburb. If you are looking for low-income housing, here is a guide to low-income renting.

Cost of Utilities in Denver

When renting, sometimes the utilities are covered by the landlord in an apartment with utilities included, and sometimes they are not. Make sure you understand the arrangement and consider all costs before signing a lease. Also know that utility bills, notably electricity and natural gas, are seasonal. Read on for a breakdown of different utilities, available companies, and prices.

Electricity and Natural Gas

Know that Xcel Energy covers almost all of Denver with electricity and natural gas. There are no alternatives, and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission sets prices. Natural gas is the most common source used for heating Denver homes, and Excel Energy utilizes time-of-use and tier-based pricing. Electricity costs more in the peak hours (2–7 pm). As expected, utility costs go up during heat waves and cold spells. During the summer, expect to pay $80-$160 a month for electricity, and $60–$120 in the winter. Light use of natural gas runs from $40-$60 a month, and cold months tend to range from $110–$220. However, a long cold spell can take bills over $250, especially in old, drafty homes.

Water, Sewer, and Drainage in Denver

Drinking water is supplied and managed by Denver Water. The pricing system is tiered, meaning that the more water you use, the more expensive it will be. Expect to pay between $35 and $65 per month in the winter and $60-$120 a month in the summer. Homes with large lawns with extensive sprinkler systems can incur bills of $150–$220 per month during the watering season. Other related charges include the sewer usage fee, which is calculated by your indoor water use, a standard storm drainage charge, and a fixed system charge.

Tips to Save Money on Utilities in Denver

There are many ways to save money on utilities in Denver. First, do your research and make sure that the home that you are buying or renting is well insulated and has efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems. You can also use energy-efficient curtains and find other ways to block drafts in the winter and the sun in the summer. Also, invest in a programmable thermostat and a ceiling fan to circulate air. Unplug your electronics when not in use and replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs. To save water, consider xeriscaping your yard or finding a rental that has little grass to maintain. Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when it is full, and collect water from the shower while it's getting hot to water plants.

Transportation Costs in Denver

Did you know that only six states in the country offer 85-octane gasoline, and Colorado is one of them? I remember being confused about why gas was so much more expensive in other states until I realized that fact. As everyone knows, gas prices widely fluctuate based on world events and other factors. However, you can rest assured that Colorado often has some of the cheapest gas in the country. Of course, you also have to factor in registration and insurance, which will run about $3,600 per year on average.

Luckily for residents, there are several great public transportation options in Denver, and many areas are very walkable. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers rail and bus service throughout Denver. My husband and I often park on the outskirts of Denver and then take the Light Rail in to see the Rockies play. As of 2026, the standard fares are as follows.

• 3-Hour Pass: $2.75
• Day Pass: $5,50
• Airport Day Pass: $10
• Monthly Pass: $88

Discount fares are also available to seniors over age 65, individuals with disabilities, customers enrolled in LiVE, and Medicare recipients. College Passes are also available.

Denver Food Costs

According to the USDA, Denver grocery costs trend slightly higher than the national average. Families can expect to pay about 5% more than the national baseline. That translates to about $708 for one person or $1856 for a family of four. Of course, this number can vary greatly depending on how many nights a week people eat out, how much meat and other high-cost items are consumed, and if the shopper looks for bargains.

Families all over the country have felt the burden of higher food costs. My family has definitely limited the number of times we eat out in a month and cut back on our meat consumption. I look for bargains and try not to pay full price if I can make a substitution.

Daily Living Costs in Denver

Housing, food, utilities, and transportation make up the bulk of expenses. However, there are other things to consider, such as garbage service, leisure activities, childcare, and pet costs. The City of Denver offers trash services that range from $20-$40 per month, depending on the bin size. Other companies, such as Waste Management, HBS Trash, Waste Connections, and Republic Services, also offer services in the Denver area.

Leisure Costs in Denver

When it comes to leisure activities, there is a huge range in Denver. You can get tickets to sporting events and support the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, or Colorado Mammoth. Denver Broncos tickets tend to be the most expensive, with most tickets ranging from $150 to $400. Denver Nuggets tickets are much more reasonable, with an average price of $33.51. There are also theme parks, like Elitch Gardens and Water World, the Denver Botanical Gardens, Meow Wolf, the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. These experiences tend to cost the most money.

Luckily, there are many free or budget-friendly activities available in Denver. Some options include touring the Colorado State Capitol, exploring beautiful outdoor spaces, such as the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater grounds, the Cherry Creek Trail, or the South Platte River Trail, or checking out the River North Art District. Other unique experiences include tours of the Denver Mint or Hammond's Candy Factory, and attending seasonal or special events such as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, the Five Points Jazz Festival, or First Friday Art Walks.

Childcare Costs in Denver

The average cost of childcare is higher in Colorado than the national average, with most families in Denver paying about 12% more than others in the state. This means that childcare is a burden on Denver parents. Infant daycare costs range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month, and toddler daycare costs range from $1,300 to $1,900. You can find free preschool programs, but certain private and religious programs cost between $700 and $1,000 per month. Home daycares typically charge between $600 and $900 per month. There are ways to save in terms of childcare. Consider a nanny share or childcare swap.

The cost of living in Denver is indeed higher than the national average. However, this is true of most highly desirable cities. To offset the higher cost of living, Denver does offer higher salaries than the national average. Other perks of living in Denver are the public transportation options, desirable weather, outdoor recreation opportunities, and public safety. If Denver is a city that you would like to live in, there are ways to cut costs and make it work. I come from a long line of penny pinchers, and I have learned that when there is a will, there is a way.