Cost of Living in Denver vs New York City
Side-by-side breakdown of rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and total monthly expenses. Denver is 70% cheaper — saving you $2,098/month.
Comparison Summary
Denver is 70% cheaper than New York City
Moving from New York City to Denver saves $2,098/month — that's $25,176/year. Rent alone is 84% higher in New York City. Groceries are 35% more expensive in New York City.
$3,009
Denver Monthly
$5,107
New York City Monthly
$2,098
Monthly Difference
$25,176
Annual Difference
Denver vs New York City — Detailed Breakdown
Rent Comparison: Denver vs New York City
Average 1-bedroom monthly rent comparison. Rent in New York City is 84% higher than Denver — a difference of $1,670/month.
Annual Rent — Denver
$23,760
Annual Rent — New York City
$43,800
Cost of Living Calculator — Denver vs New York City
Adjust the monthly expenses below to personalize your cost comparison. Pre-filled with average data for each city.
Editing: Denver, CO
Denver Monthly
$3,009
$36,108/yr
New York City Monthly
$5,107
$61,284/yr
Monthly Difference
$2,098
$25,176/yr
Cost of Living in Denver vs New York City
When comparing the cost of living in Denver, CO and New York City, NY, the data shows a clear difference across all major expense categories. Denver has a cost index of 132 while New York City sits at 187 — both measured against the US national average of 100.
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Denver rents for $1,980/month, compared to $3,650/month in New York City. That's a 84% difference in housing costs alone — the single largest expense for most households.
Beyond rent, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also vary significantly. Denver residents spend an average of $385/month on groceries, while New York City residents spend $520/month. Transportation costs are $92/month in Denver versus $132/month in New York City.
In total, the estimated monthly cost of living in Denver is $3,009, while New York City comes in at $5,107. Over a full year, that gap amounts to $25,176 — a meaningful figure for anyone planning a relocation or comparing job offers across these two cities.
Is it Cheaper to Live in Denver or New York City?
Based on current cost-of-living data, Denver is the more affordable option. Living in Denver costs approximately 70% less per month than New York City, saving residents around $2,098/month or $25,176/year.
Housing is typically the biggest driver of this difference. The lower rent in Denver ($1,980/month) compared to New York City ($3,650/month) accounts for a significant portion of the overall savings. Utilities and groceries also tend to be lower in Denver.
That said, cost of living is only one factor in a relocation decision. Job market conditions, salary levels, quality of life, climate, and proximity to family all play important roles. Use the calculator above to personalize these numbers based on your actual spending habits — the default figures are city averages and your individual costs may vary.
For a broader comparison, explore our City vs City Comparison Tool or check the Rent Comparison Tool to see how Denver and New York City stack up against other US cities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Denver vs New York City
Is it cheaper to live in Denver or New York City?
KnowFinders provides a detailed side-by-side cost comparison of Denver vs New York City including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Use our calculator above to see the full breakdown.
What is the average rent in Denver vs New York City?
Rent prices vary significantly between Denver and New York City. Our rent comparison section above shows average 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartment costs in both cities.
How does the cost of living in Denver compare to New York City?
The cost of living comparison covers housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare. Scroll through the comparison table above for a complete category-by-category breakdown.
Should I move from Denver to New York City?
Moving decisions depend on your income, lifestyle, and priorities. Use our cost calculator to estimate your monthly expenses in both cities and consult with a local realtor for personalized advice.