Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Denver, CO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.2% of gross income.
Denver rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Colorado state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Colorado cities have lower median rent than Denver, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Denver
View full rent data for Denver, CO →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Denver, CO?
Median rent in Denver is $1,877 a month. A typical carpenter in Colorado earns about $63,987 a year, which makes that rent 35.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Denver?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Colorado (~$63,987/yr) supports up to $1,600 a month in rent. Denver's current median rent is $1,877/mo, which is $277/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Denver?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a carpenter in Colorado works roughly 61 hours a month to cover Denver's median rent of $1,877.
Where is rent cheaper than Denver for a carpenter?
Nearby Colorado cities with lower median rent include Thornton ($1,876/mo), Longmont ($1,875/mo), Thornton ($1,875/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.