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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $862/month more in Denton, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.3K in Denton, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area
Overall Cost
↑ 11.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$862
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$10.3K
Per year

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

Grand Prairie, TX

Population:202K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$268K

Denton, TX

Population:158K
Cost Index:
111
(11% above avg)
Median Home:$354K

Grand Prairie, TX

The Lone Star State

202K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 202K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

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

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Grand Prairie, TX vs Denton, TX

Other
↑ 19.7%
Grand Prairie, TX
$1,607
Denton, TX
$1,924
Difference
$317
more
Housing
↑ 7.9%
Grand Prairie, TX
$2,209
Denton, TX
$2,384
Difference
$175
more
Transportation
↓ 0.1%
Grand Prairie, TX
$1,298
Denton, TX
$1,297
Difference
$0.99
less
Groceries
↓ 0.0%
Grand Prairie, TX
$979
Denton, TX
$979
Difference
$0.38
less
Healthcare
↓ 0.0%
Grand Prairie, TX
$632
Denton, TX
$632
Difference
$0.24
less
All Utilities
↓ 0.0%
Grand Prairie, TX
$563
Denton, TX
$563
Difference
$0.22
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,510
To$1,283
↓ $227
1 Bed
From$1,570
To$1,338
↓ $232
2 Bed
From$1,840
To$1,567
↓ $273
3 Bed
From$2,340
To$1,970
↓ $370
Grand Prairie, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$1,800/mo

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$7,288
Monthly in Grand Prairie, TX
$7,777
Monthly in Denton, TX
$490
Difference

Home Values

Grand Prairie
Denton
$268K
Median Value
$354K
↓ -4.2%
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
↑ +29.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +27.4%
$242K - $318K
Price Range
$273K - $402K

Homes in Denton are 32% more expensive than Grand Prairie

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
β†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Grand Prairie, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Denton, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Grand Prairie, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Denton, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

πŸ’‘ 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.

Environment

Grand Prairie
Denton
54 Moderate
Air Quality
40 Good
35.5%
Good Air Days
77.5%
99 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
β–²+2.8Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.7Β°F
90 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
81 days
β–²+2.8Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+2.7Β°F
90 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
81 days

What to Consider When Moving from Grand Prairie, TX to Denton, TX

Relocating from Grand Prairie, TX to Denton, TX involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 11% higher in Denton, TX, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Denton, TX is 8% more expensive than in Grand Prairie, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Denton, TX pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Denton, TX to match your current standard of living in Grand Prairie, TX.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Denton, TX for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Grand Prairie, TX vs Denton, TX

Is Denton, TX cheaper than Grand Prairie, TX?

Denton, TX is approximately 11.5% more expensive than Grand Prairie, TX overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $862/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 8% more in Denton, TX.

What salary do I need in Denton, TX to match my lifestyle in Grand Prairie, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Grand Prairie, TX, you would need approximately $160,344 in Denton, TX to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Grand Prairie, TX and Denton, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,840/month in Grand Prairie, TX compared to $1,567/month in Denton, TX. One-bedroom apartments are $1,570/month in Grand Prairie, TX vs $1,338/month in Denton, TX. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Grand Prairie, TX or Denton, TX?

Grocery prices are very similar between Grand Prairie, TX and Denton, TX, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Grand Prairie, TX to Denton, TX?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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