Austin vs Denver

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Austin is roughly 10% more affordable than Denver (index 55 vs 61, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Austin
More affordable overall
10% cheaper than Denver · Cost index: 55 vs 61

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

55Cost Index61
5,438Median Income /mo4,700
68Safety Index45
12Income Tax %22
184Internet (Mbps)150
350Coworking /mo275

Price Breakdown

AustinCategoryDenver
$1,800/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
4% ← cheaper
$1,722/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
71% cheaper →
$4.64/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
$18/meal
$33.25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
62% cheaper →
$88/month
$165/month
Utilities (Monthly)
4% cheaper →
$172/month
$110/visit
Doctor Visit
8% cheaper →
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Austin

Internet184 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability65/100

Denver

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$275/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability61/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin cheaper than Denver?

Austin is cheaper than Denver. Austin has a cost of living index of 55/100 compared to 61/100 for Denver (New York = 100), making it roughly 10% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Austin than Denver?

Austin is approximately 10% cheaper than Denver based on cost index scores (55 vs 61, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Denver could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,697/month in Austin.

What is the rent comparison between Austin and Denver?

In Austin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,800/month. In Denver, the equivalent is around $1,722/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Austin or Denver?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Austin offers 184 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Denver offers 150 Mbps and coworking at ~$275/month. Austin has a cost advantage of 10%.

What is the average income in Austin vs Denver?

The median net monthly salary in Austin is approximately $5,438 USD, compared to $4,700 USD in Denver.

Compare Austin with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Austin wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Austin

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

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