Overview
Denver offers the best of both worlds: urban amenities and world-class outdoor recreation. With 300+ days of sunshine, easy mountain access, and a growing job market, Denver attracts outdoor enthusiasts and professionals seeking active lifestyle with career opportunities.
Why People Move to Denver
- 300+ days of sunshine annually
- Easy access to world-class skiing and hiking
- Growing tech and startup scene
- Active, healthy culture
- Legal recreational cannabis
Average Moving Costs to Denver
| From | Studio/1BR | 2BR |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix (600 mi) | $2,000-$3,200 | $3,200-$5,000 |
| Austin (935 mi) | $2,800-$4,500 | $4,500-$7,200 |
| Chicago (1,000 mi) | $3,000-$4,800 | $4,800-$7,600 |
| Los Angeles (1,020 mi) | $3,000-$4,800 | $4,800-$7,500 |
* Estimates for professional full-service moves. DIY moves with rental trucks typically cost 40-60% less.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
RiNo (River North)
Avg Rent: $1,800-$2,700 (1BR)
Art district, breweries, restaurants, creative scene.
LoHi (Lower Highlands)
Avg Rent: $2,000-$2,900 (1BR)
Trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, young professionals.
Capitol Hill
Avg Rent: $1,500-$2,200 (1BR)
LGBTQ+ friendly, nightlife, urban living.
Wash Park
Avg Rent: $1,800-$2,600 (1BR)
Near park, family-friendly, established neighborhood.
Cost of Living in Denver
- Rent (1BR)$1,700-$2,400/month average
- GroceriesAbout 5% above national average
- Dining out$14-$22 casual, $45-$90 upscale
- State income tax4.4% flat rate
Utilities & Services
Electric
Xcel Energy
$60-$120/month
Internet
Comcast, CenturyLink
$50-$80/month
Gas
Xcel Energy
$40-$100/month
Water
Denver Water
$30-$60/month
Job Market in Denver
- Tech: Growing startup scene, Google, Amazon offices
- Aerospace: Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation
- Healthcare: UCHealth, Centura
- Outdoor industry headquarters
- Cannabis industry
Transportation in Denver
Public Transit
RTD light rail and buses. Monthly pass $114. Good coverage, airport rail.
Car
Helpful but not essential in urban core. Needed for mountain trips.
Biking
Excellent bike culture. Miles of trails. Great for commuting.
Moving Tips for Denver
Best Time to Move
March-May or September-October. Summer is busy. Winter moves are challenging.
Things to Know Before Moving
- Altitude affects everyone - hydrate and take it easy first week
- Ski traffic on I-70 is brutal on weekends
- Many transplants - making friends is relatively easy
- Rent prices have increased significantly in recent years
Pros and Cons of Living in Denver
Pros
- +Outdoor paradise
- +Sunny weather
- +Active lifestyle
- +Growing job market
- +Friendly people
Cons
- -Rising cost of living
- -Altitude adjustment needed
- -Traffic increasing
- -Dry climate/nosebleeds
- -I-70 ski traffic