Austin vs Denver: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

Comparing home values: Austin sits at $461,500, 15% lower than Denver's $540,400.

Austin's median household income runs $86,556, against $85,853 in Denver.

Median rent is $1,549 in Austin, compared with $1,665 in Denver.

Neither city stands out on hazard risk: FEMA rates both "Relatively High."

Metric	Austin, TX	Denver, CO
Population	958,202	710,800
Median home value	$461,500	$540,400
Median household income	$86,556	$85,853
Median gross rent	$1,549	$1,665
Climate risk (FEMA)	Relatively High	Relatively High

Austin, TX comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Denver, CO, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.

Moving between Austin and Denver

Austin and Denver are 768 miles apart in a straight line.

What changes when you move	Austin → Denver	Denver → Austin
Median rent	+$116/mo (+7%)	−$116/mo (−7%)
Median home value	+$78,900 (+17%)	−$78,900 (−15%)
Median household income	−$703 (−1%)	+$703 (+1%)

Estimated moving cost (either direction)

Home size	Estimated cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$1,190 – $1,878
2-3 bedroom	$2,898 – $4,524
4+ bedroom house	$4,969 – $7,722

Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Austin, TX Denver, CO

883 miles estimated driving distance · 14.7 hours of highway driving

DIY Truck Rental

$1,132 – $1,442

Includes an estimated $309 in fuel (88 gal at ~10 mpg) over 2 driving days.

Professional Movers

$4,487 – $8,158

Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.

Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index

Data last updated July 2026.