Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Denver is 27% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $54,630 in Denver.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Denver scores 102.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Denver (104).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Denver.
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