Is Denver, CO cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 6.8% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $510 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $156,116.505 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 12.6% more expensive than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $510 more per month than Austin, TX, or $6117 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $510/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$510

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Denver, CO

Category	Austin, TX	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $364more	12.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $178more	13.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $33.48more	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$519/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.6%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$364

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$178

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Austin, TX

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Austin, TX

$589

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$43.37

📦Other

↑ 1.9%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$21.86

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,720

↑ $135

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,840

↑ $155

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$2,190

↑ $195

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,870

↑ $345

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$666

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Denver

$558K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 8% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.