Average Rent in Denver 2026
The average rent in Denver, CO is $1,700 for a 1-bedroom, $2,200 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,800 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Denver is 28% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $68,000.
Denver Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,700
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,200
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,800
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$1,700/mo rent
$68,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,200/mo rent
$88,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,800/mo rent
$112,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Denver?