Dallas vs Denver
Cost of Living (2026)

Dallas is 23% less expensive than Denver. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Colorado's 4.55%.

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At a glance

Dallas, TX

COL index96 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,380/mo ✓
Median home price$340K ✓
VS

Denver, CO

COL index118
State income tax4.55%
Avg 1BR rent$1,800/mo
Median home price$545K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryDallas indexDenver indexDifference
Housing125 ✓154+29%
Groceries91 ✓112+21%
Transportation92 ✓112+20%
Healthcare93 ✓114+21%
Utilities93 ✓110+17%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Dallas → Denver

What salary in Denver gives you the same purchasing power as your Dallas salary?

Salary in DallasEquivalent in DenverDifference
$60,000$79,000+$19,000
$80,000$105,000+$25,000
$100,000$131,000+$31,000
$130,000$171,000+$41,000
$150,000$197,000+$47,000
$200,000$263,000+$63,000

Dallas vs Denver: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Dallas, TX and Denver, CO, Dallas comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 96 versus 118 for Denver — a difference of approximately 23%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas workers an immediate 4.55% take-home pay advantage over Denver workers who pay Colorado's 4.55% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Dallas is $340,000, compared to $545,000 in Denver. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,380/month in Dallas versus $1,800/month in Denver.

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