Denver vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 47% more affordable than Denver (index 32 vs 61, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
47% cheaper than Denver · Cost index: 32 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 Index32✓
4,700✓Median Income /mo3,850
45✓Safety Index42
22Income Tax %0✓
150Internet (Mbps)315✓
275Coworking /mo274✓

Price Breakdown

DenverCategoryHouston
$1,722/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
29% ← cheaper
$1,225/month
$4.64/liter
Meal for One
75% ← cheaper
$1.15/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
22% ← cheaper
$14/meal
$88/month
Monthly Transit Pass
20% ← cheaper
$70/month
$172/month
Utilities (Monthly)
4% cheaper →
$180/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Denver

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

Houston

Internet315 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability42/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Denver. Houston has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 61/100 for Denver (New York = 100), making it roughly 47% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Denver?

Houston is approximately 47% cheaper than Denver based on cost index scores (32 vs 61, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Denver could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,596/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Denver and Houston?

In Denver, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,722/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,225/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Denver offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$275/month. Houston offers 315 Mbps and coworking at ~$274/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 47%.

What is the average income in Denver vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Denver is approximately $4,700 USD, compared to $3,850 USD in Houston.

Compare Denver with…

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