Salary in Denver 2026: Take-Home, Budget, Cost of Living
Take-home at multiple salary levels, 50/30/20 budget, MIT living wage, neighbourhood rents, and top employers. Colorado state tax verified April 2026.
83
COL Index (NYC=100)
$1,750/mo
Median 1BR Rent
$3,520
State Tax ($80K)
$52,000/yr
MIT Living Wage (single)
Your Take-Home in Denver
$
$80,000/yr in Denver
$5,116/mo
take-home after all taxes
Federal + FICA$15,092
Colorado State Tax$3,520
Annual Take-Home$61,388
Is $X a Good Salary in Denver?
| Annual | Take-Home/mo | Rent/Take-Home | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,345 | 52% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $4,841 | 36% | Solid |
| $100,000 | $6,215 | 28% | Excellent |
| $150,000 | $8,912 | 20% | Excellent |
Rent as % of monthly take-home. Under 33%: excellent. Under 40%: solid. Under 50%: workable. Over 50%: tight.
MIT Living Wage, Denver (Colorado)
$52,000/yr
Single adult
$138,000/yr
Family of 4
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator 2025.
Cost of Living in Denver, CO (Numbeo Q1 2026)
83 / 100
COL Index
vs NYC baseline
78 / 100
Rent Index
residential rents
87 / 100
Groceries Index
vs NYC
$78/mo
Transit Cost
monthly pass or equivalent
Neighbourhoods and Rent Ranges in Denver
LoDo ($1,800-3,800), Capitol Hill ($1,500-3,000), RiNo ($1,700-3,200), Washington Park ($1,800-3,500), Aurora ($1,300-2,400)
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index, April 2026. Ranges reflect studio to 2-bedroom.
Top Employers in Denver
Lockheed Martin, Centura Health, University of Colorado, United Airlines, Dish Network
Source: BLS QCEW 2024, company public disclosures.
Denver vs Nearby Cities on $80,000/yr
Colorado state income tax: see full rate breakdown at incometaxbystate.comCost of living by stateAll 25 metros
Denver Salary FAQ
What is a good salary in Denver in 2026?+
A 'good' salary in Denver is one where rent consumes less than 30% of gross monthly income or 33% of take-home. On $80,000 per year in Denver, take-home is determined by federal tax, FICA, and Colorado state tax. Use the calculator above to see exact figures. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025) estimates a single adult in Denver needs roughly the living wage figure shown above for a basic comfortable life without savings margin.
How much is rent in Denver?+
The Zillow Observed Rent Index for Denver (April 2026) shows a median 1-bedroom rent in the range listed in the city data above. Rent varies significantly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood notes section for sub-city rent variation.
What is the take-home on $80,000 in Denver?+
On $80,000 per year, a single filer in Denver pays federal income tax plus FICA. Colorado state income tax applies at the rate shown in the calculator above. Use the calculator to see exact take-home for your filing status.
Does Denver have a city income tax?+
Denver does not charge a separate city income tax in 2026. State income tax is the only sub-federal income tax applicable.
How does Denver compare to the national average?+
The cost of living index for Denver (Numbeo Q1 2026, NYC=100) is shown in the stats above. A higher index means higher costs than NYC; lower means cheaper. For a direct side-by-side comparison with any other city, use the compare tool linked below.