Denver, CO vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Denver, CO and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
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.
Houston, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 108
- Goods RPP
- 97.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,357/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Houston, TX is cheaper than Denver, CO by about 8.0% (RPP 107.4 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Denver, CO
-> $55,196
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Denver, CO
-> $91,993
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Denver, CO
-> $137,989
in Houston, TX
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 Houston, TX cheaper or more expensive than Denver, CO?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Denver, CO (RPP 107.4) by about 8.0%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Denver, CO?
- You would need approximately $91,993 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Denver, CO. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 107.4).