Quick answer
Denver is 33% cheaper than Boston overall. A $100K salary in Denver is equivalent to $133,000 in Boston.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Denver vs Boston Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Denver is 33% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+49% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$133,000
Denver vs Boston: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,740/mo
$2,600/mo
+49%
2BR median rent
$2,250/mo
$3,400/mo
+51%
Median home price
$565K
$720K
+27%
Avg monthly groceries
$370
$420
+14%
Avg monthly utilities
$145
$160
+10%
State income tax
4.4%
5%
Denver saves
Walk score
61/100
83/100
Boston better
Transit score
44/100
75/100
Boston better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Boston to maintain the same standard of living as your current Denver salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$80,000
$45,000
$80,000
$106,000
$60,000
$100,000
$133,000
$75,000
$120,000
$160,000
$90,000
$150,000
$199,000
$113,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Denver vs Boston
Who Each City Is Best For
Denver is best for
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓skiers
- ✓tech workers
- ✓craft beer lovers
Boston is best for
- ✓biotech / pharma professionals
- ✓academics / researchers
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓finance professionals
FAQs
Is Denver or Boston cheaper to live in?
Denver is 33% cheaper than Boston overall. Denver 1BR rent ($1,740/mo) vs Boston ($2,600/mo). Median home price: Denver $565K vs Boston $720K.
How much salary do I need in Boston to match $100K in Denver?
$133,000 in Boston is equivalent to $100,000 in Denver based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+49% difference) and state taxes (Denver: 4.4% vs Boston: 5%).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Boston?
1BR: Denver $1,740/mo vs Boston $2,600/mo (+49%). 2BR: Denver $2,250/mo vs Boston $3,400/mo (+51%).
Does Denver or Boston have lower taxes?
Denver (CO) has 4.4% state income tax. Boston (MA) has 5% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$600.