Denver's cost-of-living picture looks mixed heading into summer, with some bright spots for your wallet alongside rising utility bills. The job market remains solid with unemployment holding steady at 4.4% (Bureau of Labor Statistics), while housing prices have actually dipped 1.7% recently (Federal Reserve data) – creating potential opportunities for the 37% of residents who rent. With median household incomes at $103,055 (Census Bureau), many Denver families can weather the current economic shifts, though that typical 27.3-minute commute is getting pricier with gas at $3.17 per gallon (AAA reports). The warming weather pattern pushing temperatures above normal means your electric bill will likely climb beyond the current $161.60 monthly average for 1000kWh usage, especially with electricity rates trending upward at 16.16¢ per kWh (EIA data).
Looking ahead to the next two months, this could actually be a smart time to make housing moves before the traditional summer buying season heats up – that recent price dip won't last forever. Personal incomes are growing modestly at 1.3% (Bureau of Economic Analysis), which helps offset some rising costs, but you'll want to budget extra for utilities as air conditioning season kicks in with these above-average temperatures. The stable job market means it's relatively safe to lock in longer-term commitments like leases or mortgages, especially with over 1.3 million commuters (Census Bureau) competing for housing near employment centers. Consider negotiating utility caps with landlords or investing in energy-efficient cooling solutions now, as Denver's cost index of 104 (EIA) already runs above the national average and summer electricity demands will push bills even higher through August.
Sources: NOAA Weather, FRED (Federal Reserve), U.S. Census Bureau, BEA, AAA Gas Prices • Updated August 27, 2025
