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Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Dallas, TX

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

8.9% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
18.2% 18.2% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 3.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Denver
96
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1121028.9% less
Housing13210818.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,40013.6% less
Median Home Price$540,000$340,00037.0% less
Groceries101974.0% less
Transportation1051013.8% less
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Dallas, TX
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Dallas 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 Dallas to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Denver713,252
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Denver to Dallas?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $220 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Dallas?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Denver to Dallas?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. 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 Denver vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $200,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Texas averages 1.60%.