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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Denver is 15% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,770/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 3%
$91,681/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 5%
$586,700 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 31%
$1,839/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 2%
713,734
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $4,576/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Richardson — common questions

Is Denver or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Richardson?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Richardson?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $4,576/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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