If you plan to move to Denver, know that you already made one great decision. Denver, a place rich in natural beauty and history, welcomes newcomers from all over with open minds and hearts. An opportunity awaits here for all who succumb to the call to head west. Read on to learn more about the cost of living and how to make your move completely stress-free.
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Cost of Living in Denver
Although up in conjunction with higher rent prices nationally, compared to Manhattan, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami, Denver’s rent prices are relatively affordable. In 2024, the average rent price, according to rent.com, is around $2,110 for a one bedroom, or $2,840 for a two bedroom. In 2022, the median household income, according to the US Census, was around $98,975, signifying that wages are appropriately adjusted for cost of living.
The general cost of living in Denver is 11% higher than the national average. But for comparison, New York’s cost of living is 128% higher than the national average. So, you get a lot of bang for your buck by living in Denver.
Employers are aware of rising living expenses within Denver city limits and most set their starting salaries accordingly. Employees with less than a year’s experience in their field can still expect to earn a decent living in a city with an average salary of $80k. Plus, there are plenty of job prospects in and around Denver, with companies new and old setting up headquarters here to take advantage of the affordable real estate.
Renting in Denver
Because of the increased desirability of living in Denver, apartment buildings appear to spring up overnight. Competition among these buildings remains high, and the need to attract favorable tenants benefits new residents. Many buildings offer deals like 1st month free, free parking, or waived security deposit, especially for tenants who sign leases outside of peak moving season.
In addition to low move in fees, apartments offer luxury amenities at reasonable price points. State-of-the-art gyms, decadent pools, pet grooming stations, mountain bike rentals, and concierge services are all common.
Denver Neighborhoods
Taking the time to research Denver’s distinctive neighborhoods will give you the best opportunity to make friends, succeed professionally, and explore what interests you. We created this guide to each Denver neighborhood to help you narrow down exactly where you want to live. Our Inside Scoop on living in Denver will also provide a better feel of what to expect.
Want Help Finding a New Place in Denver?
With AptAmigo, you gain a friend in the apartment search process. Our team of Denver apartment locators is dedicated to helping you pick a neighborhood, stay within budget, and find your dream apartment with ease. If you aren’t able to visit before you move, we’ll help you pick a list of options and tour them in your place, taking photos and videos for you. Call AptAmigo for guidance while searching, touring, and securing a place — all before you even start packing!
Up Next: Denver Vs. Boulder
* The original version of this article was first published on May 17, 2019.
Abigail is a freelance writer who loves exploring new places, especially in the Southwest, and lived in her van during the Covid-19 pandemic. When she's not working on writing gigs to support her #vanlife endeavors, she loves packrafting alpine lakes, floating lazy rivers, and trail running.
