Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Dallas is 13% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $65,466 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Dallas scores 97 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are lower than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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