Austin vs Denver: Cost of Living Comparison
Austin and Denver are two of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the Mountain West and Sun Belt, attracting remote workers and startups at a rapid clip. Both cities offer an active outdoor lifestyle, a thriving food scene, and no state income tax (Texas) or relatively moderate taxes (Colorado). If you are weighing a move between the Texas Hill Country and the Front Range, understanding the real cost differences in housing, transportation, and day-to-day expenses is essential.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Austin | Denver | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 123 | 127 | Austin |
| Housing | 151 | 168 | Austin |
| Groceries | 97 | 104 | Austin |
| Transportation | 103 | 107 | Austin |
| Utilities | 101 | 97 | Denver |
Index values relative to national average of 100. Lower is cheaper.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Austin vs Denver
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Austin are worth in Denver -- and vice versa.
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,626 | +$1,626 |
| $75,000 | $77,439 | +$2,439 |
| $100,000 | $103,252 | +$3,252 |
| $150,000 | $154,878 | +$4,878 |
Denver is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Austin wins): Housing is 11% cheaper in Austin than Denver. Denver has a housing index of 168 vs 151. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Austin wins): Grocery costs in Austin (index 97) are lower than Denver (index 104). Denver is above the national average while Austin is below.
Transportation (Austin wins): Transportation costs index 103 in Austin vs 107 in Denver. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Denver wins): Utilities cost more in Austin (index 101) than Denver (index 97). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role -- cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
Planning a Move from Austin to Denver?
Cost of living is just one piece of the puzzle. Use our free calculator to estimate your total moving costs -- movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, storage, and everything in between.
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FAQ -- Austin vs Denver Cost of Living
Is Austin or Denver more expensive to live in?
Denver is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 127 compared to 123 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Denver costs 17 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Denver vs Austin?
Housing in Denver has an index of 168 compared to 151 in Austin. That's 11% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Austin worth in Denver?
A $100,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to approximately $103,252 in Denver. This means you would need to earn more in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Austin or Denver?
Groceries are cheaper in Austin, with an index of 97 compared to 104 in Denver. The national average is 100, so one city is above and one is below the national average.
Should I move from Austin to Denver to save money?
Denver is actually more expensive than Austin overall, with an index 4 points higher. However, consider your specific situation -- salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.