Quick answer
Austin is 49% cheaper than Denver overall. A $100K salary in Austin is equivalent to $149,000 in Denver.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Denver Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Austin is 49% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+5% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$149,000
Austin vs Denver: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,740/mo
+5%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,250/mo
+7%
Median home price
$548K
$565K
+3%
Avg monthly groceries
$380
$370
-3%
Avg monthly utilities
$175
$145
-17%
State income tax
None
4.4%
Austin saves
Walk score
41/100
61/100
Denver better
Transit score
34/100
44/100
Denver better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Denver to maintain the same standard of living as your current Austin salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$89,000
$40,000
$80,000
$119,000
$54,000
$100,000
$149,000
$67,000
$120,000
$179,000
$80,000
$150,000
$224,000
$101,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Austin vs Denver
Who Each City Is Best For
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
Denver is best for
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓skiers
- ✓tech workers
- ✓craft beer lovers
FAQs
Is Austin or Denver cheaper to live in?
Austin is 49% cheaper than Denver overall. Austin 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Denver ($1,740/mo). Median home price: Austin $548K vs Denver $565K.
How much salary do I need in Denver to match $100K in Austin?
$149,000 in Denver is equivalent to $100,000 in Austin based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+5% difference) and state taxes (Austin: None vs Denver: 4.4%).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Denver?
1BR: Austin $1,650/mo vs Denver $1,740/mo (+5%). 2BR: Austin $2,100/mo vs Denver $2,250/mo (+7%).
Does Austin or Denver have lower taxes?
Austin (TX) has None state income tax. Denver (CO) has 4.4% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,400.