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.
Washington, DC
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
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.
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).