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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Washington, DC

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

16.1% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
22.7% 22.7% more expensive housing
6.9% 6.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.7% more
Denver
132
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 6.9% more
Denver
101
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 16.2% more
Denver
105
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% more
Denver
104
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 9.4% more
Denver
96
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index11213016.1% more
Housing13216222.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$2,20035.8% more
Median Home Price$540,000$620,00014.8% more
Groceries1011086.9% more
Transportation10512216.2% more
Healthcare1041105.8% more
Utilities961059.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Washington, DC
State Income Tax4.40%10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Washington57°F
Population
Denver713,252
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Denver is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $580 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Washington?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.