Denver vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 3% more affordable than Denver (index 73 vs 75, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
3% cheaper than Denver · Cost index: 73 vs 75

Head-to-Head Stats

75Cost Index73
5,672Median Income /mo5,094
35Safety Index19
4.4Income Tax %0
940Internet (Mbps)145
350Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

DenverCategoryHouston
$1,650/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
18% ← cheaper
$1,350/month
$1.2/liter
Meal for One
17% cheaper →
$1.45/liter
$16/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
25% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$99/month
Monthly Transit Pass
39% ← cheaper
$60/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
30% cheaper →
$200/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
39% cheaper →
$148/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Denver

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Houston

Internet145 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Denver. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 75/100 for Denver, making it roughly 3% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Denver?

Houston is approximately 3% cheaper than Denver based on cost index scores (73 vs 75, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Denver could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,920/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Denver and Houston?

In Denver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,650/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Denver offers 940 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 3%.

What is the average income in Denver vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Denver is approximately $5,672 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.

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