ReloMath

Boston, MA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Denver, CO. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Boston, MA

MA

Overall RPP (US=100)
112
Housing RPP
150.3
Goods RPP
110.1
2-BR median rent
$2,827/mo

Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.

Denver, CO

CO

Overall RPP (US=100)
107.4
Housing RPP
145.8
Goods RPP
105.5
2-BR median rent
$2,201/mo

Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.

Equivalent salary

Denver, CO is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 4.1% (RPP 112 to 107.4).

$60,000 in Boston, MA

-> $57,536

in Denver, CO

$100,000 in Boston, MA

-> $95,893

in Denver, CO

$150,000 in Boston, MA

-> $143,839

in Denver, CO

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Denver, CO cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?
Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 4.1%.
What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
You would need approximately $95,893 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (107.4 / 112).