Living in Denver, United States
Denver is one of the United States destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Denver city center rents for around $3,100/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages $2,100/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about $620 for groceries (single person) and $120 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Denver scores 138, which makes it one of the more expensive cities in the region.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Denver starts at roughly $3,840/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost $49 for a mid-range meal and $4 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around $8. Owning a car adds approximately $840/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Denver skip this in favour of public transport or the $120/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Private health insurance for a single expat in Denver costs around $130/month, with a family plan at $400. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about $110, while specialists charge around $200. Families should budget $2,700/month for international schooling, or $1,400/month for a local private school.
Who does Denver suit best?
Denver works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.