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Boston vs Denver

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Denver is 27% cheaper than Boston overall.Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs Denver at 118 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Boston costs 40% more.

Pierre
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Boston
MA
162
COLI index
VS
Denver
CO
118
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryBostonDenverDifference
Overall COLI162118-27%
Housing280168-40%
Groceries112105-6%
Transport113110-3%
Healthcare112106-5%
Utilities14096-31%

Median 1BR Rent

Boston
$2,900/mo
Denver
$1,750/mo

Median Home Price

Boston
$720,000
Denver
$545,000

Median Household Income

Boston
$81,744
Denver
$72,173

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Frequently Asked Questions

Denver is cheaper to live in overall. Boston has a cost of living index of 162 while Denver has an index of 118, where 100 represents the US national average. Denver is 27% cheaper than Boston overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Boston is $2,900 per month compared to $1,750 in Denver. The median home price in Boston is $720,000 versus $545,000 in Denver. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 and Denver has an index of 118, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Boston, multiply by 0.73. For example a $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to approximately $54,630 in Denver.

Boston has a median household income of $81,744 per year versus $72,173 in Denver. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Boston to Denver is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Denver is 27% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.