Is Houston, TX cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 12.3% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $920 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $138,954.545 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 32.6% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Moving from Denver, CO to Houston, TX could save you approximately $920 per month, or $11045 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

Tap to swap

Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $920/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.0K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$920

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.0K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$245K

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

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denver, CO vs Houston, TX

Category	Denver, CO	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $1,058less	32.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$911/mo	↓ $118less	11.5%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$562/mo	↓ $70.01less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$552/mo	↑ $33.33more	6.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $12.29less	0.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $6.70less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.6%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$1,058

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.5%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$118

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.1%

Denver, CO

$632

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$70.01

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Denver, CO

$519

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$33.33

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.8%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$12.29

less

📦Other

↓ 0.4%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$6.70

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, 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$1,220

↓ $500

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,260

↓ $580

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,500

↓ $690

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,020

↓ $850

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$1,231

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Houston

$513K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 52% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Houston

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

Houston, 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%

Houston, 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.