Denver vs New York
Cost of living comparison for expats and families · 2026
🇺🇸 United States
Denver
$2,828/mo solo
🇺🇸 United States
New York
$5,270/mo solo
How we calculate tax rates: Estimated effective rates assume a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, single filer, all long-term capital gains. US figures include federal LTCG + NIIT + state tax (so Boston shows MA, Miami shows FL, etc.). Your real rate depends on income mix and filing status — run the tax calculator for your numbers.
Denver
vs
New York
Cost of Living
$2,000
Housing (1BR)
$4,350
$450/mo
Food
$600/mo
$162/mo
Utilities
$120/mo
$88/mo
Transport
$50/mo
$128/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
$2,828/mo
Total
$5,270/mo
Taxes (International Investors)
effective at $200K/yr · single
14.5%
Capital Gains
16.1%
14.5%
Dividends
16.1%
14.5%
Crypto
16.1%
None
Wealth Tax
None
Quality of Life
52/100
Safety
49/100
250 Mbps
Internet
350 Mbps
Visa
180 days
Tourist Visa
180 days
Yes
DN Visa
No
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Cost of Living
Denver is the more affordable option at $2,828/month for a single person, compared to $5,270/month in New York — a savings of $2,442/month, or roughly 46%. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Denver averages $2,000/month vs $4,350/month in New York. For couples needing a 2-bedroom, expect $3,150 in Denver and $7,250 in New York. Families with kids typically see costs scale by 2–2.5× vs single-person baseline.
Tax for Investors
United States's tax system is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source). At a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, Denver works out to roughly 14.5% effective on long-term gains (federal LTCG + NIIT + CO tax). United States is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source); New York works out to 16.1% (federal + NIIT + NY tax). For FIRE retirees living off portfolio income, territorial systems typically produce the cleanest outcome — see our territorial tax countries guide for the full list.
Climate & Lifestyle
Denver has a cool temperate (avg 10°C) climate; New York is cool temperate (avg 13°C). New York is meaningfully warmer year-round (3°C difference on annual average). Denver scores higher on safety (52/100) vs 49/100 for the other city. New York has faster internet at 350 Mbps vs 250 Mbps. Denver has a medium established expat community. New York has a medium established expat community.
Visa & Residency
For Denver: digital-nomad visa available; investor visa ($0K minimum). For New York: investor visa available. Full visa pathways, income thresholds, and residency timelines are covered in the Retire in United States and Retire in United States guides.
FIRE Number
At the standard 4% safe withdrawal rate, the portfolio needed to retire in Denver is $848,400; New York needs $1,581,000. Geographic arbitrage is the single biggest lever in FIRE planning — relocating between these two cities changes your required portfolio by $732,600. Run your own scenarios in the "What your portfolio buys" section below.
What your portfolio buys in each city
At the 4% safe withdrawal rate, see exactly what Denver vs New York costs at common FIRE milestones. Real math, honest verdicts — no marketing spin.
Go deeper
City guide
Living in Denver
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
City guide
Living in New York
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
Tax guide
Retire in United States
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
Tax guide
Retire in United States
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
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