Denver, Colorado and Baltimore, Maryland are two vibrant US cities with distinctive characteristics. Denver, known as the Mile High City, offers the appeal of nature and outdoor recreation, plus a booming economy. Baltimore, the Charm City, is renowned for its maritime history, diverse neighborhoods, and distinctive food culture. The two cities differ significantly in many areas such as weather, cost of living, safety, and tax, but each offers its unique draws.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Baltimore, MD : 1,504.9 miles
Denver's population is larger by 23%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
When it comes to safety, both Denver and Baltimore have areas of concern. Baltimore struggles more with crime, ranking above the national average in terms of both violent and property crimes. However, this can vary widely between neighborhoods. Denver, while safer overall, also has areas with higher crime rates. Both cities have local initiatives in place to reduce crime and improve overall safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,937 registered sex offenders living in Denver and 1,558 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 358 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Denver is near to than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
Baltimore typically has a lower cost of living compared to Denver. Denver's housing costs in particular, are significantly higher than those in Baltimore. Besides housing, goods, services, and healthcare tend to be pricier in Denver. However, the average income in Denver is also higher, somewhat offsetting the increased cost of living.
Income Tax
Colorado has a flat-rate state income tax of 4.63%. Maryland, however, uses a progressive tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%, plus a local income tax that ranges from 1.75% to 3.20%.
Property Tax
Denver's property taxes are generally lower than those in Baltimore. Denver County has one of the lowest property tax rates in Colorado. In contrast, Baltimore has the highest property tax rate in Maryland.
Sales Tax
Denver residents face a slightly higher sales tax rate compared to Baltimore. Denver's combined city and state sales tax rate is around 8.31%, while Baltimore's equivalent rate is roughly 6%.
Income
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Baltimore, you will have to make $52,649 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Denver enjoys a distinct advantage with its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Baltimore, located in the Mid-Atlantic region, is largely urban but offers easy access to both beaches and mountains.
Denver and Baltimore both offer good educational opportunities. Denver Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools are among the largest school districts in their respective states. Denver has a number of top-notch universities, including the University of Colorado Denver. Baltimore is home to renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University Maryland.
Denver's economy is more robust and diverse than Baltimore's. Denver is a hub for the telecommunications and technology industries, and also has thriving tourism, government, and healthcare sectors. Baltimore, while having a growing tech scene, has an economy heavily influenced by its port, with industries like shipping, transportation, and manufacturing playing significant roles.
Biggest Employers
In Denver, some of the biggest employers include Denver International Airport, HealthONE Corporation, and Lockheed Martin. Baltimore's job market is dominated by employers like Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Morgan Stanley.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
2020
80.1%
87.5%
18.3%
10.7%
1.6%
1.8%
2016
74.2%
84.8%
19.0%
10.5%
6.8%
4.6%
2012
73.9%
87.4%
24.3%
11.1%
1.7%
1.4%
2008
75.8%
87.6%
23.2%
11.7%
1.0%
0.6%
2004
69.7%
82.5%
29.3%
17.1%
0.9%
0.5%
2000
62.0%
82.9%
30.9%
14.2%
7.0%
2.9%
1996
61.8%
79.3%
30.0%
15.5%
8.2%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
11.0%
8.7%
8.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
1.4%
4.3%
2.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
1.6%
3.2%
4.0%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.4%
6.8%
7.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
3.0%
1.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.6%
0.9%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
1.0%
2.7%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
2.3%
1.8%
Weather
Weather-wise, Denver and Baltimore are quite different. Denver features a semi-arid, continental climate with low humidity and plenty of sunshine year-round. On the other hand, Baltimore experiences a humid subtropical climate with cool winters and hot, humid summers. Those who love snow, dry air, and outdoor winter sports might be swayed towards Denver, while those who prefer mild winters and moist, warm summers might find Baltimore more pleasing.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
47%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
Denver
Baltimore
2018
100
89
0.50
0.23
25.4
11.8
27.9
28.3
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
8.6
7.9
0.7
0.1
2017
95
89
0.49
0.25
25.9
12.1
27.6
27.7
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
8.4
8.2
0.8
0.2
2016
90
102
0.53
0.26
27.7
13.0
27.2
28.3
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.7
7.7
1.0
0.3
2015
101
89
0.53
0.28
27.8
12.4
25.2
28.3
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
10.4
9.5
1.0
0.4
2014
94
82
0.53
0.25
25.4
11.8
24.6
25.7
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
10.1
10.9
1.3
0.6
2013
85
86
0.45
0.22
21.9
10.7
24.0
25.6
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
N/A
9.6
1.5
0.5
2012
91
98
0.33
0.24
18.9
11.3
26.2
25.0
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
11.2
1.4
0.5
2011
91
101
0.34
0.24
18.1
12.5
25.8
25.1
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
12.1
1.6
0.8
2010
82
110
0.43
0.24
16.3
13.1
23.6
26.9
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
N/A
12.2
1.0
1.0
2009
79
84
0.41
0.23
14.1
12.2
23.1
23.5
0.005
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
10.4
1.3
1.4
2008
85
96
0.43
0.25
17.3
13.6
26.0
21.6
0.008
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
12.8
1.6
1.8
2007
96
107
0.37
0.21
20.6
13.8
21.9
23.2
0.007
N/A
30.2
N/A
N/A
14.0
1.2
2.5
2006
89
112
0.51
N/A
19.0
12.0
22.1
24.6
0.008
N/A
28.0
N/A
N/A
14.7
1.4
N/A
2005
86
111
0.57
N/A
21.3
14.3
20.9
26.3
0.068
N/A
30.9
23.0
N/A
17.1
1.5
N/A
2004
82
108
0.60
N/A
21.2
15.3
19.2
28.0
0.012
N/A
28.6
23.1
N/A
16.3
1.8
N/A
2003
106
110
0.60
N/A
21.2
17.8
20.8
22.4
0.015
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
13.9
1.9
N/A
2002
86
119
0.65
N/A
19.2
17.4
20.4
19.4
0.014
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
16.3
2.5
5.8
2001
95
104
0.86
N/A
23.6
18.2
18.6
23.9
0.012
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
6.0
2000
93
101
0.81
N/A
13.4
17.0
19.2
22.4
0.013
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
0%
Transportation
Each city has fairly comprehensive public transportation systems. Denver's RTD provides buses and light rail services, targeting both daily commuters and tourists. Baltimore's MTA operates buses, light rail, and subway services. Both cities also have bike-share systems and are working to improve their cycling infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
2
2
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
602
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Bicycle
1.5%
0.4%
Bus
2.6%
6.2%
Carpooled
8.8%
7.3%
Car alone
81.1%
77.2%
Railroad
1.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
0.2%
1.2%
Subway
0.1%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.7%
Walked
2.8%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Average
29.4 min
32.3 min
Other means
24.2 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
38 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.6%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Overall, Denver's real estate market is more expensive than Baltimore's. Both cities, however, offer a blend of urban and suburban living options. Denver's growing demand and relatively limited supply contribute to its higher prices. In contrast, Baltimore's more substantial housing stock and lesser demand keep its housing costs down.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a diverse selection of neighborhoods. Denver has areas like Capitol Hill and Cherry Creek popular for their shopping, dining, and nightlife. Baltimore boasts neighborhoods like Federal Hill and Fells Point, known for their historic charm, quirky shops, and waterfront views.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Houses
351,829
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.4
Median year apartment built
1981
1959
Median year house/condo built
1966
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$269,877
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$246,241
Median house age
47
72
Renting percentage
50%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
3,632.1
House value disparities
26.4%
38.5%
Household income disparities
44%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Baltimore
One, detached
42.9%
16.4%
One, attached
8.3%
49.5%
Two
2.1%
4.5%
3 or 4
3.1%
4.9%
5 to 9
3.6%
5.5%
10 to 19
7.0%
4.8%
20 to 49
10.4%
2.8%
50 or more
22.0%
11.4%
Mobile homes
0.4%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
12,671
State government workers
15,204
20,410
Unpaid family workers
763
356
Industries and Occupations
Denver's dominant industries include aerospace, telecommunications, technology, and healthcare. Baltimore's economy revolves around sectors like healthcare, education, and the port-related industries. Both cities have dynamic job markets, but Denver's diverse economy might appeal more to those in tech or telecommunications.
Both cities boast top-quality healthcare facilities. Denver residents have access to nationally-ranked hospitals like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Baltimore houses world-renowned hospitals, including Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver has newer and more robust infrastructure compared to Baltimore. Denver's expansion in the past few decades has led to significant infrastructure development. In contrast, Baltimore, being an older city, sees more issues with aging roads, bridges, and buildings, though efforts are underway to modernize.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Baltimore
Hospitals
16
45
TV stations
17
19
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
205
215
Bank institutions located here
43
44
Main business address for public companies
58
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Baltimore
1999
2,727
2,486
2000
2,698
2,058
2001
1,996
1,371
2002
1,591
1,111
2003
2,472
1,526
2004
3,789
2,929
2005
5,168
4,981
2006
5,506
5,533
2007
3,599
3,592
2008
1,902
1,111
2009
768
381
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant cultural scenes. Denver's is influenced by the Old West and also includes a burgeoning arts scene. Baltimore's rich history and maritime heritage shapes much of its cultural identity, which can be seen in local music, film, and cuisine. Denver is known for its craft beer and steak, while Baltimore takes pride in its seafood, particularly crab cakes and oysters.
Sports Teams
Denver and Baltimore both have dedicated sports fans. Denver enjoys professional football with the Denver Broncos, basketball with the Denver Nuggets, and baseball with the Colorado Rockies. Baltimore hosts the Baltimore Ravens in football and the Baltimore Orioles in baseball.
Denver, CO
Baltimore, MD
Denver, CO and 
Baltimore, MD : 1,504.9 miles
