Moving to Denver, CO

Thinking about moving to Denver, CO? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 110 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,950/month, summers average 64°F, and Colorado has a top income tax rate of 4.4%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Denver.

Cost of living
110
Typical 2BR rent
$1,950/mo
Avg summer high
64°F
Avg winter low
37°F

Cost of living in Denver

Denver's cost-of-living index is 110 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,950 per month. Colorado levies a top income tax rate of 4.4% and an average combined sales tax of 7.81%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 64°F, winter lows around 37°F, and about 15.9 inches of precipitation a year in Denver. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.

Setting up utilities in Denver

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Denver–Aurora area that typically means Xcel Energy, Denver Water. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Denver expensive to live in?
Denver has a cost-of-living index of 110 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,950/month.
What's the weather like in Denver?
Summer highs average 64°F, winter lows about 37°F, with roughly 15.9 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Denver?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15