Cost Comparison 2025

DenvervsFrankfurt

United States
Germany

Overall

💰

-6.3%

Denver is 6.3%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-16.7%

Housing is 16.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-10.3%

Restaurants 10.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-20.7%

Food shopping 20.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Denver, United States and Frankfurt, Germany reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Denver is more affordable than Frankfurt by approximately 6.3%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Denver are higher than in Frankfurt by 20%. A one-bedroom apartment in Denver's city center costs around $1,900, while the same in Frankfurt is approximately €1,500.

Dining out in Denver is notably more expensive compared to Frankfurt. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $17 in Denver versus €15 in Frankfurt.

Public transportation in Denver is more expensive, with monthly passes at $114 compared to €90 in Frankfurt.

Grocery shopping in Denver is more expensive by approximately 26%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Denver can expect to spend approximately $616 per month (excluding rent), while in Frankfurt, the same lifestyle would cost around €577. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,155 monthly in Denver versus €2,018 in Frankfurt. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Denver, United States
Frankfurt, Germany

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$1,900
€1,500
1BR Outside Center
$1,500
€1,100
3BR City Center
$3,500
€2,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$17
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$80
€60
Cappuccino
$5
€3
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$6
€4

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
€1
Bread (500g)
$3
€2
Eggs (12)
$4
€3
Cheese (1kg)
$11
€10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
€3
Monthly Pass
$114
€90
Taxi Start
$4
€4
Gasoline (1L)
$1
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$130
€200
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
€35
Mobile Minute
$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Frankfurt to Denver, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Denver to Frankfurt requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Denver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index95

Frankfurt

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver more expensive than Frankfurt?

No, Denver is approximately 6.3% cheaper than Frankfurt. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Denver compared to Frankfurt?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 94% of your Frankfurt salary when living in Denver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Frankfurt, you'd need about $47,059 in Denver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Denver and Frankfurt?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 26%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Frankfurt offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Denver provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Denver if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Frankfurt for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Denver vs Frankfurt?

In Denver, a single person needs approximately $2,116 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $4,755. In Frankfurt, these figures are €1,677 for singles and €4,018 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Denver and Frankfurt in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Frankfurt to maintain your lifestyle from Denver

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers