Cost of living in Denver

The cost of living in Denver is higher than the national average, but it’s still relatively low compared to the likes of New York City and San Francisco.

Excluding the hefty accommodation prices, new arrivals will find the cost of living in Denver reasonable. If you can afford a home in Denver, you will find the rest of your living costs inexpensive and largely manageable.

Cost of accommodation in Denver

Due to an increase in Denver’s population, there has been a surge in demand for housing, causing prices to skyrocket. Residents and new arrivals in Denver are now struggling to afford accommodation in their desired neighbourhoods. Many people also choose to rent rather than buy a home in Denver.

Luckily, there are many job opportunities in Denver. New arrivals with a suitable skill set should be able to land themselves a lucrative position in one of the city’s major companies, which would afford them a good home in a desirable neighbourhood.

That said, the city has more affordable neighbourhoods to select from. You can find a place at a reasonable price if you are willing to sacrifice things such as proximity to the city centre or easy access to amenities.

Despite the high cost of accommodation, utilities are incredibly cheap in Denver. They are below the national average and are also assisted by the mild winter weather and abundant sunshine. Although it does snow, it tends to melt quickly, so running heaters will likely be unnecessary for most of the cold season.

Cost of transport in Denver

While transport expenses in Denver aren’t exorbitant, they are slightly pricier than in some big US cities. Driving, as opposed to using public transport on a daily basis, is relatively affordable, but owning a car in Denver is not cheap.

Car maintenance can be expensive due to the all-weather tyres required for the mountain passes in winter. Owing to the city’s gorgeous weather most of the year, you can get around on a bicycle or on foot if you live close to work and major amenities. If this is the case, you could save money by using public transport or driving only on days when the weather doesn’t permit walking or cycling.

Cost of groceries in Denver

Newcomers will discover that groceries are incredibly affordable in Denver. In fact, the cost of groceries also sits below the national average. If you’re on a tight budget, you can save even further by cooking at home instead of dining out.

Buying in bulk is also a fantastic way to save money. You can also buy fresh produce at local markets, which is great for supporting small businesses and getting the best value for your money. We also recommend buying in-season produce at supermarkets to reduce costs.

Cost of eating out and entertainment in Denver

Although new arrivals can find expensive fine dining spots, Denver’s food scene consists predominantly of cheap and tasty eats that can be enjoyed while standing or sitting out in the sunshine. Experiencing the city’s most popular food spots won’t break the bank and can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their budget.

Thanks to the Mile High City’s excellent location alongside the Rocky Mountains, much of the lifestyle in Denver is concentrated on the outdoors. Mountain biking, hiking and skiing are all popular pursuits that cost little to no money. You can also find a few nightlife spots ranging from affordable to premium.

Cost of education in Denver

Education and schools in Denver are some of the best in the state of Colorado and the US as a whole. Public schools in Denver are free for all to attend, including international students, and their admission system is not based on catchment areas, meaning newly-arrived parents can apply to a school of their choice.

If you are not planning to stay in Denver for the long term, you will find international schools in the city offering globally recognised curricula. While these schools typically offer exceptional facilities and teaching standards, tuition fees are high, so you should structure your budget around this expense.

Cost of healthcare in Denver

As is the case in the rest of the US, healthcare in Denver is expensive. If you do not have your healthcare sponsored by your employers, you are encouraged to purchase a comprehensive health insurance plan to avoid incurring exorbitant costs for medical treatment in the city. The price of health insurance plans will vary depending on your age, medical history and lifestyle habits.