Denver, Colorado, and Boston, Massachusetts, are remarkable cities. Each offers its blend of attractions, opportunities, and challenges. Denver thrives on its sunny weather, outdoor activities, and progressive economy, while Boston emanates history, education, and arts. As significant urban areas, their features extend well beyond the brief overview. Located in different parts of the US, each has its contrasting perspectives in crime and safety, weather, cost of living, etc. This comparative analysis explores these differences in depth, providing a panorama of life in both cities.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Boston, MA : 1,763.1 miles
Denver's population is larger by 9%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
Denver and Boston both have crime rates slightly higher than the national average. However, Boston tends to have a lower violent crime rate than Denver. Safety is constantly being addressed in both cities, with numerous neighborhood watch programs and community outreach initiatives operational. For tourists, main city centers and tourist attractions are generally considered safe, but as with any city, vigilance is urged.
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 331 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 358 to 1; the ratio in Boston is 2,033 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Denver than that in Boston.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Boston is significantly higher than Denver. This difference is mainly due to housing and transportation costs, with Boston housing costs more than twice Denver's average. Dining, groceries, and healthcare also tend to be more expensive in Boston.
Income Tax
Massachusetts residents pay a flat state income tax of 5.05%, whereas Colorado's state income tax is a flat 4.63%. Hence, your take-home pay might be slightly larger when living in Denver.
Property Tax
As a homeowner, you'll notice significant differences. Boston's average property tax rate is 0.87%, while Denver's average rate stands a bit higher at 0.56%.
Sales Tax
Denver has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.31%, while Boston's combined rate is only 6.25%. That could be a factor to bear in mind if you plan on significant spending or opening a retail business.
Income
Type
Denver
Boston
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$79,283
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$50,337
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
143.8
If you make $50,000 in Denver, you will have to make $64,600 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver, known as the "Mile-High City," boasts stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains and is popular for hiking, skiing, and various outdoor activities. Boston lies on the eastern coast, benefiting from the Atlantic Ocean, harboring beautiful coastal landscapes and nearby opportunities for water sports.
Boston stands out in terms of education, with some of the top universities in the United States, including Harvard University, MIT, and Boston University. Denver also has quality educational institutions, like the University of Denver, but doesn't match Boston's educational prestige. If you prefer your children to study in nationally ranked universities, Boston may be a better choice.
Both Denver and Boston offer thriving economies and low unemployment rates. Boston's economy is more diverse, with strengths in finance, education, healthcare, and technology. Denver, while having a diverse economy, is known for a stronger focus in technology and aerospace industries.
Biggest Employers
In Denver, the largest employers are Denver International Airport, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and Comcast Corporation. Boston, on the other hand, has large employers in the healthcare and education sectors, including Partners Healthcare and Harvard University.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
2020
80.1%
80.6%
18.3%
17.5%
1.6%
1.9%
2016
74.2%
78.5%
19.0%
16.1%
6.8%
5.4%
2012
73.9%
77.4%
24.3%
20.8%
1.7%
1.8%
2008
75.8%
76.9%
23.2%
21.2%
1.0%
1.8%
2004
69.7%
75.9%
29.3%
22.8%
0.9%
1.3%
2000
62.0%
71.5%
30.9%
20.5%
7.0%
8.0%
1996
61.8%
73.0%
30.0%
19.9%
8.2%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
46.1%
8.7%
12.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
1.2%
4.3%
8.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
1.0%
3.2%
4.7%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.2%
0.7%
1.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.6%
6.8%
6.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.7%
3.0%
4.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
1.1%
0.9%
2.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
2.7%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.1%
2.3%
0.4%
Weather
Denver is known for its sunny weather, boasting more than 300 days of sunshine per year and four distinct seasons. Despite its location in the mountains, the weather is relatively mild, although quick weather changes can be common. Boston, on the other hand, experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The area is also vulnerable to nor'easters, which can bring extreme conditions.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Boston
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
23.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
78%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
88.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
48%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
Denver
Denver
Denver
Boston
Denver
Boston
2018
100
76
0.50
0.24
25.4
12.3
27.9
26.1
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
8.6
9.2
0.7
0.5
2017
95
83
0.49
0.26
25.9
12.5
27.6
26.4
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
8.4
8.9
0.8
0.6
2016
90
75
0.53
0.27
27.7
14.1
27.2
24.4
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.7
7.4
1.0
0.5
2015
101
81
0.53
0.30
27.8
15.7
25.2
23.4
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
10.4
8.9
1.0
0.8
2014
94
76
0.53
0.30
25.4
14.0
24.6
24.5
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
10.1
9.3
1.3
1.2
2013
85
86
0.45
0.30
21.9
13.5
24.0
26.2
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
N/A
9.8
1.5
1.3
2012
91
89
0.33
0.29
18.9
11.8
26.2
23.5
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
9.5
1.4
1.4
2011
91
87
0.34
0.30
18.1
14.8
25.8
24.2
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
10.5
1.6
1.6
2010
82
92
0.43
0.26
16.3
13.8
23.6
25.0
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
N/A
10.0
1.0
2.3
2009
79
86
0.41
0.32
14.1
15.3
23.1
23.5
0.005
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
9.7
1.3
2.4
2008
85
96
0.43
0.26
17.3
16.6
26.0
22.9
0.008
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
12.4
1.6
3.8
2007
96
124
0.37
0.28
20.6
18.5
21.9
19.9
0.007
N/A
30.2
N/A
N/A
13.9
1.2
4.0
2006
89
103
0.51
0.38
19.0
15.8
22.1
20.9
0.008
N/A
28.0
N/A
N/A
12.5
1.4
3.5
2005
86
115
0.57
0.28
21.3
17.0
20.9
22.1
0.068
N/A
30.9
N/A
N/A
12.7
1.5
4.3
2004
82
104
0.60
0.26
21.2
15.6
19.2
22.5
0.012
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
13.7
1.8
4.6
2003
106
116
0.60
0.55
21.2
20.1
20.8
22.4
0.015
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
14.5
1.9
5.2
2002
86
130
0.65
0.35
19.2
19.8
20.4
21.8
0.014
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
13.5
2.5
5.0
2001
95
112
0.86
0.44
23.6
19.9
18.6
20.7
0.012
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
13.6
2.6
5.9
2000
93
88
0.81
0.57
13.4
18.8
19.2
19.2
0.013
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
10.0
2.1
5.6
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Boston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
55.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
26.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
33%
Transportation
Boston's public transport is more comprehensive and older than Denver's, offering subway, buses, and commuter rail. Denver has an efficient system as well, featuring buses and light rail, although car ownership may be more necessary than in Boston due to wider spread distances in the city.
Transport
Type
Denver
Boston
Amtrak stations
2
3
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
602
224
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Boston
Bicycle
1.5%
1.7%
Bus
2.6%
7.1%
Carpooled
8.8%
6.8%
Car alone
81.1%
54.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.2%
Railroad
1.2%
0.5%
Streetcar
0.2%
13.5%
Subway
0.1%
3.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.4%
Walked
2.8%
10%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Boston
Average
29.4 min
38.6 min
Other means
24.2 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
38 min
38.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Boston
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.6%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Boston's real-estate market is significantly more expensive than Denver's, reflecting the city's population density and historic charm. On the other hand, Denver offers a more affordable and competitive housing market, albeit rising quickly due to the city's increasing desirability.
Neighborhoods
Both cities feature vibrant neighborhoods with their unique appeal. Denver boasts areas like Cherry Creek and Washington Park, known for their outdoor spaces and family-friendly vibe. Boston offers historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and trendy spots like South End.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Boston
Houses
351,829
307,025
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.3
Median year apartment built
1981
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
14.6 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
271,941 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
94,497 (34.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
177,444 (65.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$2,632
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$1,040,328
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$659,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
5.4
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$683,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$639,493
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$745,440
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$986,433
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$117,668
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$793,380
Median house age
47
73
Renting percentage
50%
66.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
6,340.1
House value disparities
26.4%
23.5%
Household income disparities
44%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$138,364
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$97,179
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
1,250 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
7,686 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
67,144 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
218 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
9,540 (13.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Boston
One, detached
42.9%
12.0%
One, attached
8.3%
6.4%
Two
2.1%
11.9%
3 or 4
3.1%
24.1%
5 to 9
3.6%
11.2%
10 to 19
7.0%
7.2%
20 to 49
10.4%
8.0%
50 or more
22.0%
19.0%
Mobile homes
0.4%
0.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
24,661
11,605
State government workers
15,204
12,810
Unpaid family workers
763
303
Industries and Occupations
Boston focuses on industries such as biotechnology, financial services, and information technology. It also offers opportunities in education and healthcare sectors. Denver, famous for its aerospace and telecommunication industries, also boasts thriving tourism and outdoor recreation industry due to its geographical location.
Both Boston and Denver offer top-notch healthcare facilities. Boston is renowned for its healthcare system, home to world-class hospitals like Massachusetts General. Denver also offers high-quality healthcare with providers such as UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Boston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Boston's infrastructure exudes historic charm, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the subway system, one of the oldest in the country. On the other hand, Denver, relatively younger, features a mix of old and new, with modern architectural projects and historic structures side by side.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Boston
Hospitals
16
22
TV stations
17
22
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
205
146
Bank institutions located here
43
37
Main business address for public companies
58
60
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Boston
1999
2,727
1,237
2000
2,698
1,140
2001
1,996
947
2002
1,591
975
2003
2,472
1,536
2004
3,789
2,273
2005
5,168
3,225
2006
5,506
3,567
2007
3,599
2,652
2008
1,902
1,372
2009
768
910
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Boston's is steeped in American history and tradition, with an impressive arts scene and well-known cuisine, particularly seafood. Denver, known for its outdoor recreational activities, also has a burgeoning food scene, with a focus on innovative and farm-to-table cuisine.
Sports Teams
Sports fans won't be disappointed with either city. Boston houses the Red Sox (MLB), Bruins (NHL), Celtics (NBA), and nearby Patriots (NFL). Denver is home to the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Rockies (MLB), and Avalanche (NHL).
Denver, CO
Boston, MA
Denver, CO and 
Boston, MA : 1,763.1 miles
