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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Denver is 77% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,770/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 25%
$91,681/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 20%
$586,700 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 65%
$1,839/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 32%
713,734
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $18,651/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Odessa — common questions

Is Denver or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Odessa?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Odessa?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $18,651/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Odessa details →

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