Is Denver, CO cheaper or more expensive than Washington, DC?

Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 3.5%.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?

You would need approximately $96,496 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (107.4 / 111.3).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Washington, DC or Denver, CO?

For 2021-2022, Washington, DC had a net loss of 45,746 people, while Denver, CO had a net loss of 9,607 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Washington, DC vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC 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 ↗

Washington, DC

Overall RPP (US=100): 111.3
Housing RPP: 156.3
Goods RPP: 107.2
2-BR median rent: $2,045/mo

DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.

Denver, 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 Washington, DC by about 3.5% (RPP 111.3 to 107.4).

$60,000 in Washington, DC

-> $57,898

in Denver, CO

$100,000 in Washington, DC

-> $96,496

in Denver, CO

$150,000 in Washington, DC

-> $144,744

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.

Migration signal: Washington, DC vs Denver, CO

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Washington, DC

Net people: −45,746
Net rank: #61 of 65
Top origin share: 2%
Top destination share: 2%

Largest source: Anne Arundel County, MD. Largest destination: Anne Arundel County, MD.

Denver, CO

Net people: −9,607
Net rank: #49 of 65
Top origin share: 3%
Top destination share: 3%

Largest source: Boulder County, CO. Largest destination: Weld County, CO.

Rent delta: Denver, CO is $156/mo higher for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Washington, DC. Housing RPP moves from 156.3 to 145.8.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Denver, CO cheaper or more expensive than Washington, DC?: Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 3.5%.
What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?: You would need approximately $96,496 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (107.4 / 111.3).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Washington, DC or Denver, CO?: For 2021-2022, Washington, DC had a net loss of 45,746 people, while Denver, CO had a net loss of 9,607 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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