Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Allen, TX (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Arvada is 11% more expensive than Allen.

$1,802/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 4%
$113,396/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 14%
$600,800 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 28%
$1,948/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 7%
122,835
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $15,734/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Allen — common questions

Is Arvada or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Allen?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Allen?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $15,734/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arvada details → View Allen details →

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