Is Austin, TX cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.3% cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO. This translates to saving $169 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highlands Ranch, CO, you'd need approximately $147,966.978 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 3.0% more expensive than in Highlands Ranch, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,588/month in Highlands Ranch, CO.

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

Moving from Highlands Ranch, CO to Austin, TX could save you approximately $169 per month, or $2033 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Highlands Ranch, CO vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Highlands Ranch, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $169/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$169

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

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

Highlands Ranch, CO

Population:103K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$558K

Highlands Ranch, CO

The Centennial State

103K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 103K 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: Highlands Ranch, CO vs Austin, TX

Category	Highlands Ranch, CO	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,400/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $116less	8.3%
🏠Housing	$2,801/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $83.80more	3.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$959/mo	↓ $48.10less	4.8%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $41.04more	2.4%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$541/mo	↑ $32.87more	6.5%
🏥Healthcare	$619/mo	$589/mo	↓ $29.96less	4.8%

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.3%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,400

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$116

less

🏠Housing

↑ 3.0%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$2,801

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$83.80

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,007

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$48.10

less

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,700

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$41.04

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.5%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$508

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$32.87

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.8%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$619

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$29.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,099

To$1,585

↑ $486

1 Bed

From$1,262

To$1,685

↑ $423

2 Bed

From$1,588

To$1,995

↑ $407

3 Bed

From$2,199

To$2,525

↑ $326

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.

$8,035

Monthly in Highlands Ranch, CO

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$36.55

Difference

Home Values

Highlands Ranch

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

Highlands Ranch, 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

Highlands Ranch, 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.