Denver has become one of America's most popular relocation destinations, and for good reason. With its stunning mountain backdrop, thriving economy, outdoor lifestyle, and 300+ days of sunshine, the Mile High City offers a quality of life that's hard to match. But before you pack your bags, there's a lot to consider.
This guide is written for people seriously considering a move to Denver. We'll cover the practical details—from what it actually costs to live here, to which neighborhoods match your lifestyle, to where you should stay while you're exploring the area.
Cost of Living in Denver
The cost of living in Denver is approximately 10-15% higher than the national average. Housing is the primary driver of this difference. While groceries, utilities, and transportation are close to national averages, rent and home prices have increased significantly over the past decade.
Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026)
Single Person
- Rent (1BR): $1,800-2,200
- Utilities: $120-180
- Groceries: $400-500
- Transportation: $200-400
- Health Insurance: $300-500
- Entertainment: $200-400
- Total: $4,200-5,500/month
Family of Four
- Rent (3BR): $2,800-3,800
- Utilities: $200-300
- Groceries: $800-1,200
- Transportation: $400-600
- Health Insurance: $800-1,200
- Childcare: $1,500-2,500
- Total: $8,000-12,000/month
Housing Costs
The median home price in Denver is approximately $575,000 as of early 2026, though this varies significantly by neighborhood. The suburbs offer more affordable options—Englewood, Littleton, and Aurora have median prices in the $450,000-520,000 range.
Renting is common for newcomers. Average rents in Denver:
- • Studio: $1,400-1,700/month
- • 1-Bedroom: $1,800-2,200/month
- • 2-Bedroom: $2,200-2,800/month
- • 3-Bedroom: $2,800-3,800/month
Best Neighborhoods in Denver
The best neighborhood for you depends entirely on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Denver is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Here's a breakdown:
Highland / LoHi
Best for: Young professionals, nightlife, walkability
Trendy neighborhood with excellent restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Walking distance to downtown. Very popular with 25-40 age group. Rent: $2,000-2,800 for 1BR.
Washington Park (Wash Park)
Best for: Outdoor lovers, families, active lifestyle
Centered around the beautiful 165-acre Washington Park. Great for running, biking, and families. Mix of historic homes and newer construction. Rent: $2,200-3,000 for 2BR.
Cherry Creek
Best for: Shopping, dining, upscale living
Denver's premier shopping and dining district. High-end boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Excellent schools nearby. Premium pricing—expect $2,500-3,500 for 1BR.
RiNo (River North Arts District)
Best for: Artists, craft beer lovers, creative professionals
Former industrial area transformed into Denver's arts hub. Home to most of Denver's craft breweries, street art, and creative spaces. Rent: $1,900-2,600 for 1BR.
Englewood / Littleton (Southern Suburbs)
Best for: Value, space, families, healthcare workers
More affordable than central Denver with larger lots and easier parking. Close to Swedish Medical Center, Craig Hospital, and Denver Tech Center. Light rail access to downtown. Rent: $1,600-2,400 for 2BR.
Central Park (Stapleton)
Best for: Families with kids, new construction
Master-planned community built on former airport site. Excellent schools, parks, and family amenities. Newer homes. Close to DIA. Home prices: $500,000-800,000.
Denver Job Market
Denver's economy is diverse and robust, with unemployment consistently below the national average. The city has become a major hub for several industries:
Top Industries in Denver
- Technology: Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and 100s of startups
- Healthcare: UCHealth, Swedish, Craig Hospital, SCL Health
- Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, United Launch Alliance
- Finance: Charles Schwab HQ, Fidelity, numerous fintech startups
- Energy: Oil & gas headquarters, plus growing renewable sector
- Outdoor Industry: VF Corp, REI, Patagonia regional offices
The Denver Tech Center (DTC) in the southeast suburbs is home to many corporate headquarters and tech companies. If you're relocating for a job in DTC, consider living in Englewood, Centennial, or Greenwood Village for an easy commute.
Denver Weather: What to Expect
Denver enjoys 300+ days of sunshine annually—more than San Diego or Miami. But the weather can be unpredictable, and newcomers are often surprised by the dramatic temperature swings.
Summer (June-August)
- • High temps: 80-95°F
- • Low humidity (10-30%)
- • Afternoon thunderstorms common
- • Occasional wildfire smoke days
- • Perfect for outdoor activities
Winter (December-February)
- • High temps: 40-50°F typical
- • Lows: 15-25°F overnight
- • ~45 inches snow annually
- • Snow often melts within days
- • Sunny between storms
Altitude tip: Denver sits at 5,280 feet elevation. Newcomers may experience mild altitude effects for 1-2 weeks: slight headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath during exercise. Stay hydrated and take it easy on outdoor activities your first week.
Where to Stay While You Find Permanent Housing
Most people moving to Denver need 30-90 days to find permanent housing. During this time, you'll want a comfortable home base that lets you explore neighborhoods, commute to your new job, and make an informed decision about where to settle.
Options for temporary housing in Denver include:
- Extended Stay Hotels: $2,500-4,500/month. Small rooms, limited cooking, hotel atmosphere.
- Corporate Housing: $4,000-8,000/month. Furnished apartments, professional service, often require employer booking. See our corporate relocation housing options.
- Furnished Monthly Rentals: $5,000-8,000/month. Full homes with space, privacy, and amenities. Best for families or longer stays. Learn more about temporary housing in Denver.
Our Recommendation
If you're relocating to Denver and need temporary housing, consider staying in a central location like Englewood. It's 15 minutes from downtown Denver, 10 minutes from the Denver Tech Center, and gives you easy access to explore all parts of the metro area. Our furnished rental in Englewood is perfect for professionals and families in transition.
Your Denver Moving Checklist
Before You Move
- Research neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget
- Secure temporary housing for first 30-90 days
- Transfer or find new job (if not relocating for work)
- Get quotes from moving companies (book 4-6 weeks ahead)
- Notify current landlord/sell home
First Week in Denver
- Get Colorado driver's license (required within 30 days)
- Register vehicle in Colorado
- Register to vote
- Set up utilities at permanent address
- Explore neighborhoods during different times of day
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Denver
What is the cost of living in Denver?
The cost of living in Denver is approximately 10-15% higher than the national average. A single person needs roughly $4,200-5,500 per month to live comfortably, while a family of four needs $8,000-12,000. Housing is the biggest expense, with average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment around $1,800-2,200/month and median home prices near $575,000.
Is Denver a good place to live?
Denver consistently ranks among the best places to live in America. Pros include 300+ days of sunshine, access to world-class outdoor recreation, a strong job market (especially in tech and healthcare), and a vibrant food and cultural scene. Cons include rising housing costs, traffic congestion, and occasional wildfire smoke in summer. Overall, most transplants report high satisfaction with their move.
How much do you need to make to live in Denver?
To live comfortably in Denver, a single person should earn at least $65,000-75,000 per year. Couples need a combined income of $100,000-130,000, and families should target $120,000-150,000+. These figures assume following the 30% rule for housing costs and maintaining a moderate lifestyle.
What are the best neighborhoods in Denver?
The best Denver neighborhoods depend on your lifestyle: Highland and LoHi for young professionals and nightlife; Washington Park for families and outdoor lovers; Cherry Creek for upscale shopping and dining; RiNo (River North) for arts and breweries; Stapleton/Central Park for families with kids; and suburbs like Englewood, Littleton, or Centennial for more space and value.
What is the weather like in Denver?
Denver enjoys a semi-arid climate with 300+ days of sunshine annually. Summers are warm (80-95°F) but dry with low humidity. Winters are mild compared to other mountain states, averaging 30-50°F, with occasional snowstorms (45 inches annually) that usually melt within days. Spring and fall are pleasant but variable. The thin air at 5,280 feet may take 1-2 weeks to acclimate to.
Where should I stay while apartment hunting in Denver?
When moving to Denver, many people stay in furnished rentals or extended stay hotels while they explore neighborhoods. Furnished monthly rentals offer more space and amenities than hotels at better monthly rates. Staying in a central location like Englewood gives you easy access to explore both Denver proper and the southern suburbs.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Denver is a big decision, but for most people, it's a rewarding one. The combination of career opportunities, outdoor recreation, and quality of life makes this one of the best cities in America to call home.
Take your time finding the right neighborhood, don't rush into a lease, and give yourself at least 60-90 days to explore before committing to permanent housing. And most importantly— get outside and enjoy those 300 days of sunshine!