Is Denver expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Denver is fairly expensive, around the US average for big cities: cheaper than New York or San Francisco but pricier than most of Europe once tax and tips are added. A budget traveller needs about US$135 a day, mid-range about US$290 and comfort about US$570 per person. Hotels, eating out and a rental car for mountain days take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$65 | US$130 | US$260 |
| Food & drink | US$45 | US$80 | US$150 |
| Sights & tickets | US$15 | US$40 | US$80 |
| Local transport | US$10 | US$40 | US$80 |
| Per person, per day | US$135 | US$290 | US$570 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Denver day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Drip coffee in a café | US$3–5 |
| Craft beer in a taproom | US$7–9 |
| Breakfast burrito with green chile | US$8–12 |
| A Line train from the airport | about US$10 |
| Denver Art Museum (non-residents) | about US$25–30 |
| Rocky Mountain National Park day entry, per vehicle | about US$30 |
| Ride-share from the airport | US$60–80 |
| Mid-range double in LoDo, before taxes | US$200–330 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Hotels are the biggest cost, with LoDo and Union Station doubles at US$200–330 and lodging taxes of roughly 15–16% on top. Eating out adds up because of sales tax and tips of 18–20%. The mountains are the other big expense: a rental car costs about US$50–90 a day, and the national park charges about US$30 per vehicle, with higher fees for non-US visitors on some passes from 2026. Concerts at Red Rocks and Rockies games are extra.
When it is cheaper
Hotel rates in the city are usually lowest from November to March outside ski holidays and big conventions; June to September is the peak for mountain travel. Savings in winter can be significant, but check event calendars.
How to spend less
- Take the A Line train from the airport (about US$10) instead of a US$60–80 ride-share.
- Use the free MallRide shuttle along 16th Street downtown.
- Visit Red Rocks Park on a non-concert day: walking the amphitheatre and trails is free.
- Look for museum free days for Colorado residents and free evenings, and check whether any apply to visitors.
- Eat at food halls such as Denver Central Market or Avanti, where dishes are cheaper than sit-down restaurants.
- Rent a car only for the mountain days instead of the whole trip.
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Common questions
Is Denver expensive to visit?
It is around the US average: about US$135 a day on a budget and US$290 mid-range, plus sales tax, lodging tax of about 15–16% and tips.
How much is the train from Denver airport?
The A Line to Union Station costs about US$10 and takes around 37 minutes, much cheaper than a US$60–80 ride-share.
How much does Rocky Mountain National Park cost?
About US$30 per vehicle for a day; from 2026 non-US visitors may pay more for annual passes and surcharges at the busiest parks, so check nps.gov.