Average Rent in Denver, CO↓ Rents falling 2.8% YoY🔺 4th priciest in CO

Denver, CO has rental prices ranging from $1,639/month to $3,127/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,789/month — 28% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $102,339/year, spending $1,789/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Denver Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,140/month, Denver ranks #4 most expensive of the 55 cities tracked in Colorado — pricier than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Denver Rental Market

The Denver, CO area has a population of about 2,977,085 and 36% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Denver, CO have fallen by $61/month (2.8%) over the past year, from $2,201 to $2,140. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Denver, CO without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $71,560. The local median household income of $102,339 exceeds that threshold by $30,779, making Denver relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Denver, CO is $539,712, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 21 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Safety

Crime statistics for Denver, CO show a violent crime rate of 494.15 per 100,000 residents (elevated) and a property crime rate of 2980.57 per 100,000 residents (moderate). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within Denver before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Denver's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Windsor ($218,559 median home value), Capitol Hill ($317,027 median home value), Indian Creek ($354,393 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Denver, CO Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Denver?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Denver

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.