Cost of living in Denver
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is known for its vibrant culture and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Understanding the cost of living in Denver is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $14 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $82.5, with prices ranging from $58 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $6.95 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $4.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.82 and $1.52 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.01.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.25 to $7, averaging $4.39.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.75 and $5, with a monthly pass priced between $88 and $150.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $1.03 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.55 to $1.74 per km and $24 to $30 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1580 to $2500, averaging $2081.43.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1257 to $2000, averaging $1675.08.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3000 to $4748, averaging $3733.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2500 to $3500, averaging $3032.46.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2690.98 to $7534.74, averaging $4327.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3013.89 to $5898.62, averaging $3565.44.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130 and $325, averaging $196.44.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $100, with an average cost of $67.27.
Cost of Living Rankings
Denver ranks 16th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Denver offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being a significant expense, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be affordable, with a variety of options from casual to upscale dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively reasonable.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and eggs being on the higher side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Denver presents a mixed cost of living landscape, with higher housing costs balanced by moderate dining and transportation expenses.
Potential residents should budget carefully, especially for housing, while taking advantage of the city's diverse dining and entertainment options.