West · Colorado

Budgeting in Denver, CO

Average costs, local spending context and practical budgeting tips for Denver households.

General guidance only. Figures are approximate averages — not advice. Always budget from your own real income and costs.

Monthly cost snapshot: Denver

Avg 1-bed monthly rent

$1,900

Denver approximate market average

Monthly groceries (single person)

$460

Approximate monthly estimate

Monthly transport

$120

Transit pass or car estimate

Mid-range monthly budget

$3,600

Single person · all-in estimate

What to know about Denver

RTD light rail and bus. Housing costs have risen significantly in the last decade.

Budget ranges for Denver

Tight budget

Minimal discretionary spend, shared housing or subsidized rent

$2,200/mo

Comfortable budget

Private 1-bed rental, regular groceries, some dining out

$3,600/mo

Higher spend

Premium rental, car ownership, active social spending

$5,900/mo

Estimates based on Numbeo, MIT Living Wage Calculator and BLS CES data. Individual circumstances vary significantly.

MIT Living Wage estimate

$23.10/hr

Estimated living wage for a single adult in Denver, CO — the hourly rate needed to cover basic costs without public assistance. Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator (approximate). General context only.

MIT Living Wage Calculator ↗

Ask Fin — free

Turn Denver context into your real budget

Averages show the landscape. Ask Fin gives you 14 tools to build a budget, find savings and take action — based on your actual income and costs.

Get started free →

All 14 tools included. Free — no payment details required. General guidance only.

Budgeting guides for other US cities