Cost of Living: Boston vs Denver (2026)
Compare cost of living: Boston vs Denver. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Denver is 34% cheaper.
Boston is approximately 34% more expensive than Denver overall. Moving from Boston to Denver could save you $12000+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Boston vs Denver including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Boston or Denver is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Boston | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 121 | +34% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,800/mo | $1,800/mo | +$1,000 |
| Median Salary | $72,000 | $62,000 | +$10,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $112 | $98 | +$14 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $120 | $100 | +$20 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Boston, you would need approximately $56,019 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Denver requires $100,413 in Boston.
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Denver |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $37,346 |
| $75,000 | $56,019 |
| $100,000 | $74,691 |
| $125,000 | $93,364 |
| $150,000 | $112,037 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,800 in Boston vs $1,800 in Denver — $1,000/month or $12,000/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.