Are You Earning Enough to Live Comfortably in Denver? Here’s What It Takes
As inflation remains high and the cost of living continues to climb, many Americans are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. A recent study by SmartAsset analyzed the salaries required to live comfortably in the 100 largest U.S. cities, using the MIT Living Wage Calculator and the 50/30/20 budgeting method. The study focused on two demographics: a single adult and a two-income household with two children.
In Colorado, Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs made the list, with Denver ranking as the most expensive for a single adult. According to the study, a single person in Denver would need to earn $108,992 annually to cover basic needs, discretionary spending, and savings. Aurora was slightly higher at $111,114, while Colorado Springs was the most affordable at $99,424. For a family of four, the combined salaries required were $292,947 in Denver, $280,550 in Aurora, and $262,995 in Colorado Springs. These figures outpace the local median household incomes, highlighting the financial challenges many residents face.
| City | Salary Needed (Single Adult) | Salary Needed (Two Adults, Two Kids) | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $99,424 | $262,995 | $83,215 |
| Denver | $108,992 | $292,947 | $94,157 |
| Aurora | $111,114 | $280,550 | $89,300 |
Nationally, SmartAsset found that Southern cities tend to be the most affordable, with Indianapolis, Indiana ranking as the cheapest metro for a single adult at $85,197 annually, while Memphis, Tennessee, was the most affordable for a family of four at $198,400 combined income. On the flip side, San Jose, California, topped the list as the most expensive city, where a single adult needs over $147,400 and a family of four requires more than $371,500 to live comfortably.
While some cities have seen minor shifts in affordability, most areas—especially on the coasts—continue to see rising costs, making financial stability an ongoing challenge for many. With Denver ranking among the pricier metros, residents must carefully budget to avoid financial strain.
