Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Plano is 8% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $69,280 in Plano.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Plano.
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