🇺🇸 Denver vs 🇺🇸 Houston

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Denver

United States

$2,462–$3,897/mo

$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Houston

United States

$2,154–$3,410/mo

$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)

Denver is 14% more expensive

Houston wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryDenver (USD)Houston (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,846–$2,872$1,615–$2,513🟢 Houston
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$974–$1,538$853–$1,346🟢 Houston
Utilities$77–$149$67–$130🟢 Houston
Groceries$390–$585$341–$512🟢 Houston
Eating out (mid-range meal)$51–$92$45–$81🟢 Houston
Public transport (monthly)$97–$118$85–$103🟢 Houston
Internet & Mobile$31–$51$27–$45🟢 Houston
Gym membership$36–$67$31–$58🟢 Houston
Cinema ticket$14–$18$13–$16🟢 Houston
Monthly total (single)$2,462–$3,897$2,154–$3,410🟢 Houston

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

Housing4.4 / 10 · 5.1 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Safety8.5 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Healthcare8.5 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Education8.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Environment8.9 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Economy7.2 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Culture7.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better
Internet8.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Denver
Houston▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Denver if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Denver offers vs Houston
  • ✓Mountains
  • ✓Sun
  • ✓Young workforce
  • ✓Outdoor industry

Choose Houston if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Denver
  • ✓Affordable housing
  • ✓Diversity
  • ✓Energy jobs
  • ✓Energy sector

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Full Denver guide

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📊

Full Houston guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Houston →