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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Denver is 11% more expensive than Plano.

$1,770/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 1%
$91,681/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 19%
$586,700 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 25%
$1,839/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ≈ Same
713,734
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,968/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Plano — common questions

Is Denver or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Plano?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Plano?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $16,968/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Plano details →

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