Denver Apartments Guide 2026
Everything you need to find the right apartment in Denver — average rent by neighborhood, best areas for every lifestyle, cost of living data, and practical tips for apartment hunting in the Mile High City.
$1,650/mo
Avg 1BR Rent
24 Neighborhoods
Areas Covered
300 Days
of Sunshine/Year
Average Rent by Neighborhood
Denver rent prices vary significantly by neighborhood. Here are 2026 average monthly rents for the most popular areas, based on market reports and listing data.
| Neighborhood | Studio | 1 BR | 2 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
LoDo | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
RiNo | $1,350 | $1,750 | $2,400 |
Cherry Creek | $1,500 | $1,900 | $2,700 |
Capitol Hill | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,900 |
Highlands/LoHi | $1,300 | $1,700 | $2,300 |
Baker | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,850 |
City Park | $1,050 | $1,300 | $1,750 |
Wash Park | $1,200 | $1,500 | $2,100 |
Sloan’s Lake | $1,250 | $1,600 | $2,200 |
Central Park | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,300 |
Sources: Zillow, Apartment List, Census ACS — 2026 estimates. Actual rents vary by unit quality, size, and building.
Best Neighborhoods for Renters
The right Denver neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Here are curated picks for every type of renter.
Best for Young Professionals
Walkable neighborhoods with nightlife, coworking spaces, and easy RTD access. RiNo has the creative energy, LoDo has the bar scene, and Capitol Hill has the most affordable rent of the three.
Best for Families
Top-rated schools, parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented restaurants. Wash Park offers a classic Denver feel, Central Park has newer construction, and Cherry Creek has the best shopping.
Best for Budget
Studios starting under $1,200/month. Baker and Five Points are close to downtown with character and transit access. Globeville is emerging with the National Western Center redevelopment nearby.
Best for Nightlife
LoDo has Denver’s densest bar corridor along Blake and Market streets. Capitol Hill owns the live music scene with Ogden and Bluebird theaters. RiNo taprooms stay open late with DJs on weekends.
Best Transit Access
Union Station is the RTD hub connecting light rail, bus, and the A Line to DEN Airport. RiNo’s 38th & Blake Station is one stop away. Central Park sits on the A Line with a 37-minute ride to the airport.
Denver Cost of Living Snapshot
Key financial benchmarks for renters in Denver. Use these numbers to budget before your move.
Average 1BR Rent
$1,650/mo
City-wide average
Average 2BR Rent
$2,200/mo
City-wide average
Median Household Income
$78,000/yr
Denver County
Rent-to-Income Ratio
25%
1BR on median income
Utilities (avg)
$150/mo
Electric, gas, water, internet
Renter’s Insurance
$15–$30/mo
Standard policy
For detailed breakdowns, see our Denver Cost of Living dashboard with live FRED and Census data.
Apartment Hunting Tips for Denver
Practical advice to help you find, evaluate, and secure a Denver apartment.
Know Your Renter Rights
Colorado law requires 21 days' notice before rent increases and 10 days before late fees. Security deposits cannot exceed one month's rent unless agreed upon separately.
Move in the Off-Season
October through February is the best time to sign a lease. Fewer people move during winter, so landlords offer lower rents and better concessions. Avoid May through August if possible.
Check the Walk Score
Denver neighborhoods range from Walk Score 30 (car-dependent) to 95+ (very walkable). If you want to ditch a car, focus on Capitol Hill, LoDo, RiNo, and Highland where scores are 85+.
Factor in Parking & Transit
Downtown parking adds $100–$200/month. Living near a light rail station can eliminate the need for a car entirely. The A Line reaches DEN Airport from Union Station in 37 minutes.