Average Rent in Denver 2026
Denver Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,700
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,200
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,800
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Denver
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Denver renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,700 | $2,200 | $2,800 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $120 | $150 | $180 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $17 | $20 | $23 |
| Total monthly | $1,907 | $2,440 | $3,073 |
Utility estimates scale with Denver’s cost of living index (128). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Denver
128
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Denver's cost of living index is 128, which is 28% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Denver at a Glance
Population
713K
Median Income
$78,177
COL Index
128
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Denver?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Denver by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,700/mo | $68,000 | $32.69/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,200/mo | $88,000 | $42.31/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,800/mo | $112,000 | $53.85/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Denver at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Denver apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Denver |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Studio or roommate |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 1-bedroom |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,100 in Denver — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Denver
Save $600/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,700
per month
Split 2BR
$1,100
per person/month
Annual Savings
$7,200
per year
Instead of paying $1,700 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,200) with one roommate brings your share to $1,100. That is $7,200 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Denver
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,700–$3,400
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,700
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,700
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Denver: $3,450–$6,800 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Denver
Denver, CO does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Denver Compares to Other US Cities
Denver sits well above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Denver
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Denver Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Denver rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Denver
Is Denver expensive to rent in?
Denver is moderately expensive for renters. A 1-bedroom averages $1,700 per month in 2026, about 28% above the national average. The city has seen strong rent growth driven by an influx of remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts. LoDo and RiNo are among the priciest neighborhoods.
How much income do you need to rent in Denver?
Using the 30% rule, you need a gross monthly income of about $5,667 ($68,000 annually) to afford an average $1,700/month 1-bedroom apartment in Denver.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Denver?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,200/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,100, saving $600 per month or $7,200 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Denver?
Renters in Denver typically pay about $120 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $17 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $207 on top of your $1,700 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Denver?
Most Denver landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,700 for a 1-bedroom at the Denver average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($3,400), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Denver affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Denver is $78,177, which comes out to about $6,515 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,700, that's roughly 26% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Denver?