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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Denver, CO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

8.7% Denver, CO is more expensive overall
11.9% 11.9% more expensive housing
5.2% 5.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.9% more
Austin
118
Denver
132
🛒 Groceries 5.2% more
Austin
96
Denver
101
🚗 Transportation 7.1% more
Austin
98
Denver
105
🏥 Healthcare 7.2% more
Austin
97
Denver
104
⚡ Utilities 3.0% cheaper
Austin
99
Denver
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Denver, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index1031128.7% more
Housing11813211.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,62011.7% more
Median Home Price$425,000$540,00027.1% more
Groceries961015.2% more
Transportation981057.1% more
Healthcare971047.2% more
Utilities99963.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Denver, CO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.40%
State Sales Tax6.25%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Denver costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Denver to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Denver (112). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Denver3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Denver3.6%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Denver27 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Denver61
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Denver45
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Denver51°F
Population
Austin979,882
Denver713,252

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Denver → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Denver →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Austin vs Portland → Denver vs Phoenix → Denver vs Chicago → Denver vs Miami →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Denver cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 11.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Denver?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,620/month in Denver — a difference of about $170 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Denver?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Denver?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $82,000 in Denver. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Denver?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $540,000 in Denver — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Colorado averages 0.49%.