Is Denver, CO cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 14.0% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1049 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $162,590.674 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 48.3% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1049 more per month than Houston, TX, or $12591 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 14.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,049

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.6K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:114

Median Home:$513K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Houston, TX vs Denver, CO

Category	Houston, TX	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,058more	48.3%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $118more	12.9%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$632/mo	↑ $70.01more	12.5%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$519/mo	↓ $33.33less	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $12.29more	0.8%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $6.70more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 48.3%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,058

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.9%

Houston, TX

$911

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$118

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.5%

Houston, TX

$562

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$70.01

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$33.33

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.8%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$12.29

📦Other

↑ 0.4%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$6.70

🏛️ 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$1,220

To$1,720

↑ $500

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,840

↑ $580

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$2,190

↑ $690

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,870

↑ $850

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,231

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Denver

$245K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 109% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.