Should you buy or rent in Denver, CO?
Compare the cost of buying vs renting in Denver, CO with local median home prices and rents from Zillow. Adjust the calculator to match your situation.
The Denver Housing Market
Denver's housing market has been transformed by migration from coastal metros seeking affordability, outdoor access, and a lower cost of living. The metro has seen some of the nation's fastest price appreciation over the past decade, narrowing the gap with pricier markets.
The Front Range's appeal—proximity to skiing, hiking, and 300 days of sunshine—drives demand from remote workers and retirees. Suburban sprawl extends north to Fort Collins and south to Colorado Springs, with prices generally rising as you move closer to downtown Denver.
$559k
Median Home Price
$2,848/mo
Median Rent
$75k
Median Household Income
~1%
Property Tax Rate
Property taxes in Colorado are relatively moderate, typically around 0.5–0.6% of assessed value, though effective rates vary by county. Homeowners insurance has risen sharply due to wildfire and hail risk, adding to total housing cost.
Inventory has improved from pandemic lows, but the market remains competitive. The calculator is pre-loaded with Denver-area medians so you can explore how buying compares to renting. Adjust any input to match your own situation.
Median Home Value
Median Rent
Costs
Net Worth
Liquid Savings
Deciding whether to buy a home or rent and invest your savings is one of the biggest financial choices you'll ever face. With interest rates climbing, stock market growth offering potential rewards, and the allure of liquid cash for travel or retirement, the right decision isn’t always clear-cut. Owning a home can build equity and provide stability, but renting can free up resources for other investments. This guide will help you break down the costs, weigh the financial trade-offs, and determine which option aligns best with your goals and lifestyle.
Housing Costs
Renting typically costs less in the short term and increases relative to buying over time. However, this may be different in your case. The chart above uses the mortgage and rental costs you've provided to show how they compare over time.
Renting will be cheaper for about 3 years.
Net Worth
Your net worth is impacted by the rate of growth of your investments. For a renter, this will consist of savings and other investments. For a homeowner, this will also add any home equity built over time.
In 10 years, your net worth as a renter would be 0k compared to 0k as a homeowner. This is a 0k difference.
In 20 years, that difference becomes 0k
Liquid Savings
Buying a home can be a risk, due in part to the inflexibility of a mortgage and the non-liquid nature of home equity. How much cash will you have on hand for unexpected expenses or life changes? How would liquid investments grow compared to putting it toward housing?
Renting allows for more liquid assets, which can be used for time off or to buffer against unexpected expenses.