Cost of Living: Denver vs Washington (2026)

Denver vs Washington cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Washington is about 3% more expensive than Denver overall — $100,000 in Denver is worth about $102,932 in Washington.

Washington is about 3% more expensive than Denver overall — $100,000 in Denver is worth about $102,932 in Washington.

Denver vs Washington: the numbers

MetricDenverWashingtonDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)106109+3%
Median rent$1,770$1,900+7%
Median home value$586,700$724,600+24%
Median household income$91,681$106,287+16%

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 $102,932 in Washington. Going the other way, $100,000 in Washington is like $97,151 in Denver.

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

Compare any salary: Denver vs Washington

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 109 vs 106 — a 3% difference. Your money goes further in Denver.

About $102,932 — that's what you'd need in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver.