The low cost of living a mile high.
Colorado's historic focus on low taxes, coupled with Metro Denver's high household incomes, keeps the region's cost of living near the national average for living costs.
Denver ranks just above the national average for cost of living, but well below many other major metropolitan areas as well as both coasts. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index for the third quarter of 2012, Denver ranks slightly above the national average of 100, with a composite index of 105.1.
Cost of Living Calculator
To calculate the difference in the cost of living of another U.S. city and Denver, simply enter your current salary information below, and click "calculate." The income required to maintain your current standard of living will appear in the box below, along with the percentage difference between the two cities.
The calculation takes into account dozens of items in six broad categories – groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services. The cost of living calcuation does not include state and local tax factors. The calculator uses continuously updated data pulled directly from the highly regarded Cost of Living Index.