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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Austin is 12% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,655/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 9%
$91,461/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 24%
$512,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 17%
$1,747/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 12%
967,862
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $21,935/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Arvada — common questions

Is Austin or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Arvada?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Arvada?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $21,935/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Arvada details →

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