Moving from Houston to Denver (2026)
Denver has a COL index of 122 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 28% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Denver to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 28% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Denver |
|---|---|
| $40K | $51,368 |
| $50K | $64,211 |
| $60K | $77,053 |
| $75K | $96,316 |
| $80K | $102,737 |
| $100K | $128,421 |
| $120K | $154,105 |
| $150K | $192,632 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Denver
| Expense | Houston | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,466 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $357 | $388 |
| Transport | $90 | $114 |
| Utilities | $175 | $140 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $1,759 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Denver cheaper than Houston?
No. Denver has a cost of living index of 122 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 28% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Denver?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Denver run about $670/month more than Houston. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Denver to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $96,316/year in Denver. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only