Rent vs Buy Calculator — Denver, CO
Prefilled with Denver estimates: a ~$580,000 home (about $116,000 for 20% down) versus ~$2,050/mo rent. Colorado's effective property tax of 0.55% — well below the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $3,190/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $3,700/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Denver?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Colorado's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 0.55% on a $580,000 home that's about $3,190 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Denver, CO different
- Median home price estimate: $580,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $2,050
- Colorado effective property tax: 0.55% (~$3,190/yr here)
- Colorado avg. homeowners insurance: $3,700/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.