If you’re planning to study in Denver, it’s important to understand Denver’s cost of living in 2025. As a student, you’ll need to plan for costs like rent, food, transportation, and other activities. These costs can vary depending on where you live in the city and your lifestyle.
Whether you’re staying in the city centre or outside it, understanding these expenses will help you manage your budget better. This blog will give you all the information you need to stay on budget while enjoying your student life in Denver. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
What is the Cost of Living in Denver?
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is known as the Mile High City. The average cost of living in Denver is approximately USD 2,699 per month, covering expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other basic needs. To estimate your expenses more accurately, you can use a cost of living calculator.
While Denver is more affordable compared to some other big cities in the U.S., how much you spend will depend on your lifestyle and choices. Understanding these costs is important for planning your budget and living comfortably in the city.
Average Tuition Fees in Denver
Denver is home to 28 colleges and universities, including 19 private colleges and 8 public universities. Tuition fees for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs can vary depending on the institution, program, and level of study. For your reference, we’ve provided a table below with an overview of average tuition fees. However, it’s best to check directly with the university for more details.
| Name of University in Denver | Approx Tuition Fees |
| Colorado School of Mines | USD 42,120 |
| University of Denver | USD 59,340 |
| University of Colorado Denver | USD 35,106 |
| Regis University | USD 43,980 |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | USD 22,607 |
| Colorado Christian University | USD 39,266 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | USD 29,630 |
Accommodation Costs in Denver
Accommodation is a major part of Denver’s cost of living. However, housing costs in Denver can vary based on factors like location, apartment size, and lifestyle. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around USD 1,200 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can go up to USD 2,500. We have provided a table for your reference to help you better understand these costs.
| Apartment | Location | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Single-Bedroom Apartment | City Centre | USD 2,127 |
| Single-bedroom Apartment | Outside the Centre | USD 1,708 |
| Three -bedroom Apartment | City Centre | USD 3,629 |
| Three -bedroom Apartment | Outside the Centre | USD 3,013 |
Transportation Cost in Denver
Getting around Denver is convenient and budget-friendly. Public buses and light rails are budget-friendly, and you can buy daily or monthly passes. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available, though they can be more expensive. Below is the table with an overview of transportation costs.
| Mode of Transport | Approx Monthly Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | USD 3 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | USD 88 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | USD 3.50 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | USD 1.74 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | USD 24.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | USD 0.87 |
Also Read:
Food and Groceries Cost in Denver
Restaurants in Denver give you a taste of the city’s food culture at reasonable prices. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or enjoying street food, there’s something for everyone. A meal at an affordable restaurant usually costs around USD 20. For a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant with three main courses, you can expect to pay about USD 80.
However, as a student, it’s important to manage your Denver cost of living, so we recommend cooking at home to save money and enjoy healthy, homemade meals. To help you out, here’s a table that shows the cost of groceries in Denver so you can get an idea of what to expect.
| Grocery Items | Approx Cost |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | USD 5.41 |
| 1 litre (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk | USD 0.98 |
| 12 eggs, large | USD 4.26 |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | USD 4.75 |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | USD 6 |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | USD 4.22 |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | USD 2.10 |
| 2 liters of Coca-Cola | USD 2.80 |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | USD 3.25 |
Utility Cost in Denver
In Denver, the average monthly cost for utilities like electricity, water, heating, and garbage is about USD 200. This is included in the overall cost of living in Denver. To help you plan better, we have provided a table below:
| Utility Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility for an apartment (Cooling, Heating, Water, Electricity, and Garbage) | USD 191 |
| Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | USD 63 |
| Internet Plan (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | USD 72 |
Entertainment Cost in Denver
In Denver, the cost of entertainment depends on what you want to do. A casual dinner for two at a neighbourhood pub will cost around USD 60, while two movie tickets are approximately USD 34. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, theatre tickets for the best seats can reach USD 292. Here is a table where you can check the cost of other entertainment and lifestyle items in Denver:
| Item | Approx Cost |
| A basic dinner out for two in a neighborhood pub | USD 60 |
| 2 tickets to the movies | USD 34 |
| 2 tickets to the theatre (best available seats) | USD 292.00 |
| Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (appetizers, main course, dessert) | USD 150.00 |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | USD 5.34 |
| iPad Wi-Fi 128GB | USD 401.00 |
| 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | USD 0.27 |
| 1 month of gym membership in the business district | USD 76 |
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Denver
- Find a place farther from the city centre to save on rent.
- Get roommates to split the rent and reduce your costs.
- Visit free parks, museums, and events to enjoy Denver without spending money.
- Save money by preparing your own meals instead of eating out.
- Take buses or trains to avoid paying for gas and parking.
- You can also share rides with classmates to cut down on travel costs.
- Many places offer discounts to students, so use them.
- Buy groceries from local markets for cheaper prices.
- Don’t spend money on things you don’t really need.
- Track your expenses to help manage your money better.
Living in Denver as a student is a great experience, but it’s important to manage your budget well. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer without spending too much. From exploring the beautiful mountains to enjoying local events and trying out new foods, there’s so much to do. By sticking to a budget, you can make the most of your time in Denver without worrying about money.
We hope you enjoyed reading our blog on Denver’s Cost of Living. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal student accommodation abroad with ease.
FAQs on Denver Cost of Living 2025
The average cost of living in Denver is approximately USD 2,699 per month. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, entertainment, and other personal expenses. The amount may vary based on your lifestyle and living preferences.
Accommodation costs depend on location and apartment size. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost approximately USD 2,127 per month, whereas a similar apartment outside the city centre costs about USD 1,708.
Denver’s cost of living is similar to Chicago’s, though Chicago may be slightly cheaper in some areas like rent and utilities. Rent in Chicago is typically about 10–15% lower than in Denver, but groceries and transportation costs are fairly close in both cities.
Denver’s cost of living is higher than Phoenix’s, particularly when it comes to rent. On average, rent in Denver can be about 10–15% more expensive than in Phoenix. However, transportation and grocery costs are relatively similar in both cities.
The cost of living in Colorado for a single person depends on the city. In Denver, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically ranges from USD 1,600–USD 2,200. Other costs for utilities, groceries, and transportation can add up to USD 1,000–USD 1,400 a month, making the total cost for a single person around USD 2,600–USD 3,600 per month.
The average cost of living in Colorado ranges from USD 2,500 to USD 4,500+ per month, depending on location and lifestyle.
Dining at an affordable restaurant typically costs around USD 20 for a meal, and a mid-range restaurant meal for two may cost around USD 80. Grocery prices include items like USD 5.41 for 500g of boneless chicken breast and USD 4.22 for 1 kg of apples.
You can save on accommodation by living farther from the city centre, sharing an apartment with roommates, or choosing smaller apartments. Rooms in shared housing can significantly reduce costs compared to renting an entire apartment.
Yes, many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in Denver offer student discounts. Always ask if there is a student deal available, and carry your student ID to take advantage of these offers.
To manage your transportation costs effectively, use public transport like buses and light rail systems. If you live far from the city centre, you can also carpool with classmates to reduce travel expenses.
Follow Us on Social Media
