Plano vs Denver
Cost of Living (2026)

Plano is 12% less expensive than Denver. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Colorado's 4.55%.

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At a glance

Plano, TX

COL index105 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,500/mo ✓
Median home price$430K ✓
VS

Denver, CO

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryPlano indexDenver indexDifference
Housing137 ✓154+17%
Groceries100 ✓112+12%
Transportation100 ✓112+12%
Healthcare102 ✓114+12%
Utilities100 ✓110+10%

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

Salary equivalency: Plano → Denver

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

Salary in PlanoEquivalent in DenverDifference
$60,000$72,000+$12,000
$80,000$96,000+$16,000
$100,000$120,000+$20,000
$130,000$156,000+$26,000
$150,000$180,000+$30,000
$200,000$240,000+$40,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Plano, TX and Denver, CO, Plano comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 105 versus 118 for Denver — a difference of approximately 12%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano 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 Plano is $430,000, compared to $545,000 in Denver. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,500/month in Plano versus $1,800/month in Denver.

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