Rent affordability guide · US

Cost of living in Denver: salary and rent guide

Typical 1-bedroom rent in Denver ranges from $1,100 to $3,200/month. To live comfortably here you generally need at least $76,000/year.

Rent distribution in Denver

$1,100

Budget

cheapest 10%

$1,900

Median

most common

$3,200

Premium

top 10%

These figures are for a 1-bedroom apartment equivalent in Denver. Prices vary significantly by neighbourhood.

What salary do you need?

To afford median rent comfortably (25%)$91,200/yr

To afford median rent at 30% (standard)$76,000/yr

To afford budget rent comfortably (25%)$52,800/yr

How locals spend in Denver

Renters in Denver typically spend 22–40% of their gross income on rent.

25th percentile of renters22%

Median renter30%

75th percentile of renters40%

Source: US Census ACS 2022 + Zillow Observed Rent Index · 2022–2023

Rental market overview

Denver experienced rapid rent growth during the pandemic as remote workers relocated for the outdoor lifestyle and relatively affordable housing. New apartment supply has since moderated growth, and Denver now sits in the middle tier of US cities by rent — pricier than Chicago or Atlanta, cheaper than Seattle or Boston.

Tech, aerospace, and energy sectors drive professional demand, concentrated in Capitol Hill, LoDo, and Highland. Denver's young demographic profile and quality-of-life reputation continue to attract in-migrants despite housing cost increases.

Renter tip

The light rail and RTD system connects several more affordable areas — Lakewood and Wheat Ridge to the west are 10–20% cheaper than central Denver with easy rail access.

Neighbourhood guide

Budget areas

Montbello / Green Valley Ranch1-bed typically $1,200–$1,600/mo

Westwood1-bed typically $1,100–$1,500/mo

Lakewood (suburb)1-bed typically $1,300–$1,700/mo

Mid-range areas

Capitol Hill1-bed typically $1,600–$2,100/mo

South Broadway (SOBO)1-bed typically $1,700–$2,200/mo

Sloan's Lake1-bed typically $1,800–$2,300/mo

Premium areas

LoDo / Downtown1-bed from $2,200/mo

Highland / LoHi1-bed from $2,200/mo

Cherry Creek1-bed from $2,400/mo

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Explore Denver in detail

Can I afford $1,100 rent in Denver?Can I afford $1,500 rent in Denver?Can I afford $1,900 rent in Denver?$50,000 salary in Denver $70,000 salary in Denver

Compare Denver with

Denver vs Austin: rent comparison Denver vs Seattle: rent comparison Denver vs Atlanta: rent comparison

Compare other cities

Cost of living: Barcelona Cost of living: Madrid Cost of living: Paris Cost of living: Berlin

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom in Denver?

A 1-bedroom in Denver averages $1,700–$2,100/month. Highland and LoDo are priciest at $2,200–$2,800, while outer suburbs and eastern Denver run under $1,500.

Is Denver still affordable in 2024?

Denver has become meaningfully less affordable since 2015, but remains cheaper than Seattle, Boston, or coastal California. New apartment supply delivered in 2023–2024 has stabilised rents, making it relatively balanced compared to tighter markets.

What salary do you need to rent in Denver?

At the 30% rule and a median rent of around $1,900/month, you'd need roughly $76,000 gross per year. Colorado has a flat state income tax of 4.4%, making take-home pay better than higher-tax states.