Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A physical therapist in Denver earns roughly $114,239/yr (~$6,278/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,740/mo — that's 28% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
CO · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist Afford to Live in Denver?
Using local salary estimates and Denver's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physical therapist in Denver, CO in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$114,239/yr local estimate
$9,520
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$3,242
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,278
1BR rent
28% of take-home
-$1,740
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$370
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,673
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Denver could save roughly $17,628/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 28% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 28% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Denver is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $114,239/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Denver's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Denver for a Physical Therapist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Capitol Hill
Densest and most walkable neighborhood in Denver. Mix of apartment buildings, Victorian mansions, and Colfax Ave energy. Best value per square foot for renters who want walkability. Expect $1,600–2,000/mo for a 1BR.
RiNo (River North)
Brewery district in converted warehouses. Gentrification is complete — rents reflect it. Expect $1,900–2,400/mo for a 1BR. Still worth living in if you can afford it; the food and drink density is excellent.
Washington Park
Where people settle when they're done being trendy. Park-centric, bungalows, young families, good coffee, farmer's market Saturdays. Pricey but the lifestyle quality is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in Denver?
A Physical Therapist in Denver earns approximately $114,239 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Denver's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Denver affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 28% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A physical therapist can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Denver?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $114,239/yr takes home roughly $6,278/month in Denver.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Denver?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Denver costs a median of $1,740/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 28% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.