Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Boston, MA

Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

20.5% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
30.3% 30.3% more expensive housing
8.9% 8.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.3% more
Denver
132
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 8.9% more
Denver
101
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 12.4% more
Denver
105
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 10.6% more
Denver
104
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 16.7% more
Denver
96
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index11213520.5% more
Housing13217230.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$2,60060.5% more
Median Home Price$540,000$700,00029.6% more
Groceries1011108.9% more
Transportation10511812.4% more
Healthcare10411510.6% more
Utilities9611216.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Boston, MA
State Income Tax4.40%9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Boston costs more but median income is only slightly higher. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Boston51°F
Population
Denver713,252
Boston675,647

Moving from Denver to Boston?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Boston vs Portland → Boston vs Phoenix → Boston vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 30.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $980 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Boston?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Boston?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Boston?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.