Is Austin, TX cheaper than Brighton, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 0.2% cheaper than Brighton, CO. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brighton, CO, you'd need approximately $149,778.239 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 5.1% more expensive than in Brighton, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,556/month in Brighton, CO.

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

Moving from Brighton, CO to Austin, TX could save you approximately $18 per month, or $222 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brighton, CO vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brighton, CO — COL adjusted from Denver, CO area + state data

Current salary in Brighton, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $18.48/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$18.48

Savings

Annual Impact

$222

Per year

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

Brighton, CO

Population:42K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Brighton, CO

The Centennial State

42K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 42K residents.

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brighton, CO vs Austin, TX

Category	Brighton, CO	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,744/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $140more	5.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,372/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $87.95less	6.4%
📦Other	$1,666/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $75.34more	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$541/mo	↑ $38.02more	7.6%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$959/mo	↓ $37.89less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$612/mo	$589/mo	↓ $23.69less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 5.1%

Brighton, CO

$2,744

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$140

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Brighton, CO

$1,372

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$87.95

less

📦Other

↑ 4.5%

Brighton, CO

$1,666

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$75.34

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.6%

Brighton, CO

$503

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$38.02

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.8%

Brighton, CO

$997

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$37.89

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Brighton, CO

$612

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$23.69

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,077

To$1,585

↑ $508

1 Bed

From$1,237

To$1,685

↑ $448

2 Bed

From$1,556

To$1,995

↑ $439

3 Bed

From$2,154

To$2,525

↑ $371

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,894

Monthly in Brighton, CO

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$104

Difference

Home Values

Brighton

Austin

Median Value

$558K

YoY Change

↓ -5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$550

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

Brighton, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Brighton, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.