🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Denver
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Denver
United States
$2,462–$3,897/mo
$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)
Austin is 3% more expensive
Denver wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Denver (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,846–$2,872 | 🟢 Denver |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $974–$1,538 | 🟢 Denver |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $77–$149 | 🟢 Denver |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $390–$585 | 🟢 Denver |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $51–$92 | 🟢 Denver |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $97–$118 | 🟢 Denver |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $31–$51 | 🟢 Denver |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $36–$67 | 🟢 Denver |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Denver |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,462–$3,897 | 🟢 Denver |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 4.4 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Safety9.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Education8.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Environment9.5 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Culture8.4 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Austin▲ better
Denver
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Austin offers vs Denver
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Denver if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Austin
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Sun
- ✓Young workforce
- ✓Outdoor industry
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📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Denver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Denver →