Denver runs roughly 9 to 10 percent above the national cost-of-living average, with housing as the primary driver. Utilities and transportation tend to fall at or below the national average, which offsets some of the housing premium. Colorado has a flat state income tax and relatively favorable property tax rates, which keeps overall tax burden moderate compared to other Western metros.
| Category | Denver vs. National Average |
|---|---|
| Overall | About 10 percent higher |
| Housing | About 20 to 25 percent higher |
| Utilities | About 11 percent lower |
| Groceries | About 2 percent higher |
| Transportation | About 4 percent lower |
| Healthcare | About 12 percent higher |
Day-to-day costs in Denver track closely with other major Western metros. Groceries, dining, and consumer goods are slightly above national average. Auto insurance and home insurance have risen in recent years due to weather-related claims and increased vehicle theft, so these are worth budgeting for.
Compared to other major U.S. metros, Denver remains less expensive than coastal markets but pricier than many Midwest and Sun Belt alternatives:
The Denver metro housing market has stabilized after several years of rapid appreciation, with median prices easing slightly from their 2022 peak. Inventory has improved, days on market have lengthened, and buyers now have more negotiating leverage than at any point in the last five years. Single-family homes remain the dominant inventory type, with strong demand around top school districts and walkable urban neighborhoods.
| Metric | Denver Metro |
|---|---|
| Median Home Sale Price | Approximately $590,000 |
| Median Single-Family Price | Approximately $630,000 |
| Median Condo Price | Approximately $330,000 |
| Average Days on Market | Around 18 to 21 days |
| Months of Inventory | Approximately 1.6 months |
| Median Rent (one bedroom) | Approximately $2,000 per month |
The Denver metro mixes a wide range of housing types, including:
National Jewish Health is at 1400 Jackson Street in central Denver, and Intermountain Saint Joseph Hospital is at 1375 East 19th Avenue, about 15 minutes apart. Most desirable neighborhoods inside Denver put commute times under 20 minutes. Suburban neighborhoods to the south and east generally fall within a 25 to 35 minute commute outside peak rush hour.
| Neighborhood or Suburb | Estimated Commute to NJH |
|---|---|
| Cherry Creek | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Park Hill | 10 minutes |
| Washington Park | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Lowry / Central Park | 15 minutes |
| Greenwood Village | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Centennial | 30 to 35 minutes |
| Castle Rock | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Boulder | 45 to 60 minutes |
Denver has a typical mid-to-large city crime profile, with property crime running above the national average and violent crime running near the national urban average. Most of the elevated crime is concentrated in specific districts, while neighborhoods favored by physician families consistently report low violent crime rates. The metro is supported by strong emergency response infrastructure, including multiple Level I and Level II trauma centers within a short drive of the city center.
Neighborhoods most commonly chosen by relocating physicians and their families share low crime rates, strong schools, and quick access to the major medical campuses:
Denver's overall crime rate is higher than the national average, but the picture varies sharply by neighborhood. Key context:
Denver traffic has grown alongside population, particularly along I-25 and I-70 during commute hours. The state has invested heavily in transit alternatives including light rail and commuter rail to ease congestion. Winter driving conditions during snow events require preparation, particularly for mountain travel.
