The 2023 overall price level was above average, and the housing-rent index was substantially higher than the national level.
What the indexes suggest
The housing index is the clearest caution. Salary equivalence based only on the all-items index may understate the rent challenge.
Regional price parities compare price levels across regions in the same year. An index of 105.5 means the metro’s all-items price level was 5.5% above the U.S. average in the 2023 dataset. The housing-rent index was 146.1, and the utility index was 96.1.
An index-adjusted spending illustration
The following numbers apply Denver category indexes to 2024 BLS national average spending. This is an illustration of the model, not an estimate of what one specific family must spend.
| Category | Illustrative monthly amount | How to replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,198 | Current rent listings, fees, utilities, insurance, parking |
| Transportation | $1,171 | Your commute, vehicles, insurance quotes, transit and parking |
| Food | $894 | USDA household benchmark plus local receipts |
| Healthcare | $656 | Employer plan premiums, deductibles and expected care |
Transportation and location
A household can compare transit-accessible housing with vehicle ownership and mountain-trip needs. Winter driving and parking may change the budget.
Salary research
Use an actual offer to calculate take-home pay under the relevant state and local tax rules. Add the value and cost of employer health coverage, retirement matching, paid leave, commuting, and remote-work flexibility. Then compare the offer with current housing and childcare quotes.
Local quote checklist
- Three realistic housing options near the actual job or routine
- Utility history or seasonal range
- Auto, renters, homeowners, flood, or other relevant insurance quotes
- Childcare and healthcare costs when applicable
- Commute time and full transportation cost
- State and local tax estimate for the household