Cost of Living: Denver vs New York (2026)

Denver vs New York cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. New York is about 6% more expensive than Denver overall — $100,000 in Denver is worth about $106,410 in New York.

New York is about 6% more expensive than Denver overall — $100,000 in Denver is worth about $106,410 in New York.

Denver vs New York: the numbers

MetricDenverNew YorkDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)106113+6%
Median rent$1,770$1,779+1%
Median home value$586,700$751,700+28%
Median household income$91,681$79,713-13%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Denver has the same buying power as about $106,410 in New York. Going the other way, $100,000 in New York is like $93,976 in Denver.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Denver and New York.

Compare any salary: Denver vs New York

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 106 — a 6% difference. Your money goes further in Denver.

About $106,410 — that's what you'd need in New York to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver.