The Verdict
Living in Austin is 3% more expensive than Denver.
If you move from Austin to Denver, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about $71,538 in Denver.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Denver:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Denver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,100 | $2,030 | $-70 |
| Monthly groceries | $396 | $405 | +$9 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $298 | $308 | +$10 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $124 | $-6 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $210 | $176 | $-34 |
| Total Monthly | $3,134 | $3,043 | $-91 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($4,500/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Denver to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,692 | $2,308 less |
| $75,000 | $71,538 | $3,462 less |
| $100,000 | $95,385 | $4,615 less |
| $125,000 | $119,231 | $5,769 less |
| $150,000 | $143,077 | $6,923 less |
| $200,000 | $190,769 | $9,231 less |
Austin vs Denver: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. Denver is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 60, while Denver has 58.
Average Salaries: Austin: $4,500/month vs Denver: $4,300/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 2, while Denver wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.