Denver vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Denver is 37% less expensive than Boston.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Denver, CO

COL index118 ✓
State income tax4.55% ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,800/mo ✓
Median home price$545K ✓
VS

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5%
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDenver indexBoston indexDifference
Housing154 ✓214+60%
Groceries112 ✓152+40%
Transportation112 ✓151+39%
Healthcare114 ✓156+42%
Utilities110 ✓144+34%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Denver → Boston

What salary in Boston gives you the same purchasing power as your Denver salary?

Salary in DenverEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$83,000+$23,000
$80,000$111,000+$31,000
$100,000$138,000+$38,000
$130,000$180,000+$50,000
$150,000$207,000+$57,000
$200,000$276,000+$76,000

Denver vs Boston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Denver, CO and Boston, MA, Denver comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 118 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 37%.

State income tax impact

Denver workers pay 4.55% Colorado state income tax, while Boston workers pay 5%.

Housing costs

The median home price in Denver is $545,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,800/month in Denver versus $2,900/month in Boston.

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