City Comparison · 2026
Boston vs Denver
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Boston = $72k in Denver
Metric
Boston
Denver
COL Index
1.93
✓1.39
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,900/mo
✓$1,900/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$3,700/mo
✓$2,400/mo
State Income Tax
MA
CO
$100k Take-Home
$73,736
✓$74,336
$100k Effective Rate
26.26%
✓25.66%
$100k Savings Potential
$38,936
✓$51,536
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Boston MA | Denver CO |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,248 $3,937/mo · 21.25% eff. | $47,608 $3,967/mo · 20.65% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,736 $6,145/mo · 26.26% eff. | $74,336 $6,195/mo · 25.66% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,778 $8,815/mo · 29.48% eff. | $106,678 $8,890/mo · 28.88% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Denver cheaper to live in?
Boston has a cost-of-living index of 1.93 while Denver is 1.39 (1.00 = US average). Denver is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Boston is $2,900/month vs $1,900/month in Denver.
How much more do you need to earn in Boston vs Denver?
$100k in Boston = $72k in Denver. Cost of living in Denver is lower by 28%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Boston or Denver?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,736 in MA (Boston) and $74,336 in CO (Denver). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $38,936 in Boston vs $51,536 in Denver.
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