What Salary Do You Really Need to Live Comfortably in Denver in 2025?

As a real estate professional who has navigated the Denver market for over 8.5 years, I’ve heard one question more than any other: "What salary do I actually need to live here?"

It’s the single most important question for anyone considering a move to—or a move within—our beautiful city. And the answer is rarely simple.

The internet will give you a dozen different numbers. Some sources will tell you a "living wage" (the bare minimum to survive) is around $55,000. Others, using the popular 50/30/20 budget rule for a "comfortable" life (where 30% of your income goes to "wants" and 20% to savings), will quote a staggering $106,000 for a single adult.

The truth, as I’ve seen with hundreds of clients, lies somewhere in the middle and depends entirely on one factor: your housing choice.

Let's break down the real numbers for 2025 so you can build a budget based on reality, not just headlines.

The Great Divide: Renting vs. Buying in Denver

Your housing cost is the anchor for your entire budget. In Denver, the income required to rent is vastly different from the income required to buy.

💰 The Salary Needed to Rent Comfortably

Renting is the entry point for most new Denverites. The long-standing financial rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) income on rent.

Based on current 2025 market rates, here is what that looks like:

• To afford a median-priced 1-bedroom apartment (approx. $1,700/month): Your household needs to earn about $68,000 per year.

• To afford a median-priced 2-bedroom apartment (approx. $2,250/month): Your household needs to earn about $90,000 per year.

This $68,000 to $90,000 range is the most realistic "comfortable" salary for a renter in Denver. It allows you to cover your rent without being "house poor" and still have money left over for utilities, transportation, and enjoying the lifestyle that brought you here in the first place.

🏠 The Salary Needed to Buy a Home

This is where the numbers jump significantly. As your real estate guide, I must be transparent: buying in the metro area requires a substantial income and, just as importantly, significant savings for a down payment.

• To afford a "starter home" or condo (approx. $400,000): Assuming a 20% down payment and current interest rates, you would need an annual income of roughly $95,000 to $110,000.

• To afford the median-priced detached single-family home (approx. $650,000): Using the same calculations, your household income would need to be in the $160,000 to $170,000 range.

This is why, for the last 8.5 years, I've advised clients to see their first home as a long-term financial goal. Many successful Denver homeowners start as renters, building their careers and savings for several years before making the leap.

Beyond Housing: A Look at a "Comfortable" Denver Budget

Living "comfortably" means more than just paying your rent. It means saving for the future, paying for healthcare, and having a budget for "wants"—like brewery visits, ski trips, and concerts at Red Rocks.

Let's look at a sample budget for a single adult earning a "comfortable" renter's salary of $75,000 per year. This budget is based on the 50/30/20 rule.

• Annual Gross Income: $75,000

• Take-Home Pay (approx. after taxes): $5,000/month

The 50% "Needs" Bucket: $2,500/month

• Housing (Rent + Utilities): ~$1,800

• Groceries: ~$400

• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance OR RTD Pass): ~$200

• Health Insurance & Medical: ~$100

The 30% "Wants" Bucket: $1,500/month

This is your lifestyle money. In Denver, this bucket is key to your happiness.

• Restaurants, Bars, Breweries: ~$400

• Entertainment (Concerts, Sports, Movies): ~$250

• Shopping (Clothes, Gear, etc.): ~$250

• Hobbies & Travel (Ski Pass, Weekend Trips): ~$600

The 20% "Savings/Debt" Bucket: $1,000/month

This is the most crucial part of a "comfortable" budget.

• Retirement Savings (401k/IRA): ~$400

• Emergency Fund / General Savings: ~$300

• Debt Payment (Student Loans, Credit Card): ~$300

As you can see, an income of $75,000 gets the job done for a renter, but it requires careful budgeting. If you want more breathing room in the "Wants" and "Savings" categories, your income will need to push closer to that $90,000+ mark.

My Expert Advice: The "Real" Denver Salary

After 8.5 years of helping people plant roots here, I’ve seen what works. Here is my final, expert take:

• To Survive (Living Wage): A $55,000 salary is the absolute minimum to get by as a single person, likely with roommates.

• To Live Comfortably (Renting): A $75,000 - $90,000 salary provides a balanced life, allowing you to pay for a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment, save for the future, and enjoy the city.

• To Buy a Home (Starter): An income of $100,000+ is a realistic target to begin planning for a condo or townhome purchase.

• To Buy a Detached Home: A household income of $160,000+ is the current benchmark for affording a median-priced single-family home.

Denver is a world-class city, and its popularity comes with a price tag. But with a realistic plan and a clear understanding of these numbers, you can build a wonderful and sustainable life here.

Ready to Make a Plan?

Whether you're relocating to Denver and need to find the right neighborhood for your budget, or you're a long-time renter ready to explore the path to homeownership, my 8.5 years of local experience are at your service. Let's sit down, look at your specific goals, and create a real estate plan that works for you.

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