Cost of Living in Denver, Colorado in 2025

Denver, Colorado Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

Housing Costs: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has increased steadily to $1,650 in 2025.
Home Prices: Median home prices have risen from $225,000 in 2010 to $575,000 in 2025.
Transportation Expenses: Public transit monthly passes cost about $114, with fuel prices around $3.50 per gallon.
Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored health insurance averages $150 per month; Silver plan premiums are roughly $500 monthly.
Income Levels: Median household income is projected at $77,000 in 2025.

Denver's diverse economy and outdoor lifestyle make it an attractive place to live with evolving cost dynamics.

This article offers a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Denver for 2025, covering housing, utilities, transportation, and more.

Housing Costs in Denver, Colorado

Housing is a major factor in Denver's cost of living, with rental prices climbing over the years.

2010: Average one-bedroom rent was about $850
2015: Increased to roughly $1,100
2020: Rose to approximately $1,400
2024: Around $1,600
2025: Estimated at $1,650

This steady rise reflects growing demand and the city's economic growth.

For hospitality employers, understanding trends in local housing costs is vital to setting competitive wages and attracting staff. Check out our Denver cost of living insights for deeper analysis.

Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Denver, Colorado

Home prices in Denver have appreciated significantly, signaling a strong real estate market.

2010: Median home price was $225,000
2015: Increased to $300,000
2020: Reached $450,000
2024: Climbed to $550,000
2025: Projected to be $575,000

This trend highlights Denver's appeal but also points to affordability challenges for buyers.

Real estate market trends in hospitality may impact where to locate your business or invest.

Transportation Expenses in Denver, Colorado

Transportation costs include public transit, fuel, and vehicle maintenance.

Public Transit One-Way Fare: $3.00
Monthly Public Transit Pass: $114.00
Fuel Cost per Gallon: $3.50
Annual Vehicle Maintenance: Approximately $1,200

Expenses vary depending on individual commuting habits.

Transportation affordability is key for employees; consider offering commuting perks to retain staff.

Utility Costs in Denver, Colorado

Standard monthly utilities for an average household are:

Electricity: $100.00
Internet Services: $60.00
Total Utilities: $200.00 including other expenses

Utility costs are generally slightly below national averages.

Grocery and Food Expenses in Denver, Colorado

Grocery costs per person average around $300 monthly.

Dining out options include casual meals at about $15 and mid-range meals costing roughly $50.

Understanding food costs can help hospitality businesses price menus competitively while maintaining margins.

Healthcare Costs in Denver, Colorado

Healthcare expenses cover insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Employer-sponsored health insurance averages $150 per month, while a Silver plan costs around $500 monthly.

For comprehensive strategies on managing healthcare benefits and costs for restaurant employees, see our guide on reducing restaurant employee turnover.

Educational Expenses in Denver, Colorado

Education costs vary by institution type:

Public Schools: Generally free, funded by taxes
Private Schools: Average tuition of $10,000 annually
In-State University Tuition: Approximately $10,000 per year

Families and students should consider these when planning budgets.

Entertainment and Leisure in Denver, Colorado

Entertainment expenses include:

Movie Tickets: Around $12 each
Gym Memberships: Approximately $40 per month
Mid-Range Restaurant Meals: Roughly $50 per meal

Annual spending on entertainment and personal care services totals about $2,600 combined.

Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Denver, Colorado

Key taxes impacting residents include:

State Income Tax: Approximately 4.55%
Sales Tax: Combined rate of about 8.31%
Property Tax Rate: Roughly 0.49%

These rates contribute significantly to overall living costs.

Childcare and Family Expenses in Denver, Colorado

Childcare is a critical expense for families with young children.

Daycare: Around $1,200 monthly
After-School Programs: Approximately $500 monthly
Extracurricular Activities: Roughly $200 per month

Budgeting for these is essential for family financial planning.

Clothing and Personal Care in Denver, Colorado

Monthly spending for personal needs includes:

Clothing: About $100
Personal Care Products and Services: Around $50

These figures reflect typical resident expenses.

Insurance Costs in Denver, Colorado

Insurance is a vital aspect of budgeting in Denver.

Health Insurance: Premiums average $500 monthly for a Silver plan
Auto Insurance: Approximately $1,500 annually
Homeowners Insurance: Estimated at $1,200 annually
Renters Insurance: Around $200 annually

Costs depend on coverage and personal circumstances.

Restaurant owners should be familiar with insurance costs for restaurants to protect their businesses effectively.

Our Methodology for Denver, Colorado Cost of Living Figures

We compile data from trusted sources including government statistics, local reports and cost indexes.

Estimates fill gaps where precise data is unavailable to provide a comprehensive picture of living costs in Denver.

Denver, Colorado Cost of Living: Conclusion

Denver's cost of living in 2025 reflects a growing metropolitan area with rising housing and transportation costs.

While some expenses like utilities remain slightly below national averages, housing and healthcare weigh more heavily on budgets.

Understanding these factors helps residents and newcomers make informed decisions about living and working in Denver.

For those exploring restaurant careers in Colorado, review our detailed restaurant manager interview tips and bartender job description to prepare for job opportunities despite changing living costs.