Can I Afford to Live in Austin vs Denver on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Austin TX | Denver CO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,057 | $4,763 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $2,000 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $50 | $114 |
| Utilities | $170 | $140 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,600/month | $2,056/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Austin?
At $80K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $80K a good salary in Denver?
At $80K/year in Denver, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,763. With 1BR rent around $2,000/month, rent takes up 42% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Austin leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,600/month vs $2,056/month in Denver.
Can I afford to live alone in Austin on $80K?
It's tight. Rent in Austin would take 36% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only