Is Austin, TX cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.4% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $477 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $144,272.727 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 11.2% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Moving from Denver, CO to Austin, TX could save you approximately $477 per month, or $5727 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $477/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$477

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$558K

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

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: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX

Category	Denver, CO	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $364less	11.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $178less	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$541/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.2%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$364

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.1%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$178

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Denver, CO

$519

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.86

🏛️ 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$1,720

To$1,585

↓ $135

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,685

↓ $155

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,995

↓ $195

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,525

↓ $345

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$666

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Austin

$513K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 9% more expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver 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

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

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

Denver, 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.