The Verdict
Living in Boston is 26% more expensive than Denver.
If you move from Boston to Denver, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Boston, you would need to earn about $52,841 in Denver.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Boston:
Why people love Denver:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Boston | Denver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,150 | $2,030 | $-1,120 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $405 | $-9 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $308 | $-25 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $124 | +$13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $176 | $-44 |
| Total Monthly | $4,227 | $3,043 | $-1,184 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential ($5,200/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (26% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 73/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Denver to match a Boston salary
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $35,227 | $14,773 less |
| $75,000 | $52,841 | $22,159 less |
| $100,000 | $70,455 | $29,545 less |
| $125,000 | $88,068 | $36,932 less |
| $150,000 | $105,682 | $44,318 less |
| $200,000 | $140,909 | $59,091 less |
Boston vs Denver: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 26%. Denver is the more affordable option.
Rent: Boston has a rent index of 90, while Denver has 58.
Average Salaries: Boston: $5,200/month vs Denver: $4,300/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Boston wins 1, while Denver wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.