Is Austin, TX cheaper than Denton, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.8% cheaper than Denton, TX. This translates to saving $207 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denton, TX, you'd need approximately $147,519.923 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denton, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 21.0% more expensive than in Denton, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,567/month in Denton, TX.

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

Moving from Denton, TX to Austin, TX could save you approximately $207 per month, or $2480 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denton, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Denton, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Plano, TX area

Current salary in Denton, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $207/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$207

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$354K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Denton, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Denton, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,384/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $501more	21.0%
📦Other	$1,924/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $183less	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.13less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$541/mo	↓ $21.64less	3.8%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.61less	2.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,297/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $12.67less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 21.0%

Denton, TX

$2,384

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$501

📦Other

↓ 9.5%

Denton, TX

$1,924

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$183

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.8%

Denton, TX

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.8%

Denton, TX

$563

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.64

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Denton, TX

$979

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$19.61

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.0%

Denton, TX

$1,297

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$12.67

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,283

To$1,585

↑ $302

1 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,685

↑ $347

2 Bed

From$1,567

To$1,995

↑ $428

3 Bed

From$1,970

To$2,525

↑ $555

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/mo

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.

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$221

Difference

Home Values

Denton

Austin

$354K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +27.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$273K - $402K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 58% more expensive than Denton

Calculate payment - Denton Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Denton, 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

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

Denton, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.