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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Denver

Colorado
147

Austin is 13% cheaper than Denver.

$1,655/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,770/mo ↑ 7%
$91,461/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$91,681/yr ≈ Same
$512,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$586,700 ↑ 14%
$1,747/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,839/mo ↑ 5%
967,862
Population
713,734

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Denver, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $220/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $586,700 in Denver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Denver — common questions

Is Austin or Denver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Denver?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Denver it's $1,770/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Denver?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $91,681 in Denver. Median household income is $220/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Denver has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,770/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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