Denver vs Austin

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

61Cost Index55
4,700Median Income /mo5,438
45Safety Index68
22Income Tax %12
150Internet (Mbps)184
275Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

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

Digital Nomad Profile

Denver

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

Austin

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver cheaper than Austin?

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 Denver and Austin?

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

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

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

What is the average income in Denver vs Austin?

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

Compare Denver with…

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