Question 1

Is Austin or Denver cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Austin, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $994/month less than in Denver, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,095/mo in Austin versus $2,089/mo in Denver.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Austin vs Denver?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $60,000/year before tax in Austin, TX and $84,500/year in Denver, CO — a difference of about $24,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Austin or Denver cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Austin, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,996/month in Austin and $11,167/month in Denver, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Austin or Denver?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Austin costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Austin75	Denver54
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,505	$4,499
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,996	$11,167
Salary for comfort	$60,000/yr	$84,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,095	$2,089
Median home value	$512,700	$586,700
Median household income	$91,461	$91,681
Unemployment	3.9%	4.1%
Housing score	58	30
Jobs score	76	44
Safety score	58	35
Climate score	92	74
Amenities score	64	64
Population	967.9K	713.7K
Summer high / winter low	96° / 42°	88° / 17°

Austin, TX vs Denver, CO