ReloMath

Austin, TX vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Austin, TX and Denver, CO. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Austin, TX

TX

Overall RPP (US=100)
98.8
Housing RPP
126.4
Goods RPP
93.6
2-BR median rent
$1,924/mo

Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.

Denver, CO

CO

Overall RPP (US=100)
107.4
Housing RPP
145.8
Goods RPP
105.5
2-BR median rent
$2,201/mo

Colorado flat income tax 4.4%. Denver city tax 2.25% on wages.

Equivalent salary

Denver, CO is more expensive than Austin, TX by about 8.7% (RPP 98.8 to 107.4).

$60,000 in Austin, TX

-> $65,223

in Denver, CO

$100,000 in Austin, TX

-> $108,704

in Denver, CO

$150,000 in Austin, TX

-> $163,057

in Denver, CO

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Denver, CO cheaper or more expensive than Austin, TX?
Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) is more expensive than Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) by about 8.7%.
What salary do I need in Denver, CO if I earn $100,000 in Austin, TX?
You would need approximately $108,704 in Denver, CO to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (107.4 / 98.8).