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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Denver is 80% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,770/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 41%
$91,681/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 36%
$586,700 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 71%
$1,839/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 43%
713,734
Population
678,147

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $32,947/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs El Paso — common questions

Is Denver or El Paso cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and El Paso?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or El Paso?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $32,947/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while El Paso has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,041/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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