Quick answer
Dallas is 77% cheaper than Denver overall. A $100K salary in Dallas is equivalent to $177,000 in Denver.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Dallas vs Denver Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Dallas is 77% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+20% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$177,000
Dallas vs Denver: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,450/mo
$1,740/mo
+20%
2BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$2,250/mo
+22%
Median home price
$380K
$565K
+49%
Avg monthly groceries
$355
$370
+4%
Avg monthly utilities
$175
$145
-17%
State income tax
None
4.4%
Dallas saves
Walk score
46/100
61/100
Denver better
Transit score
35/100
44/100
Denver better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Denver to maintain the same standard of living as your current Dallas salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$106,000
$34,000
$80,000
$141,000
$45,000
$100,000
$177,000
$57,000
$120,000
$212,000
$68,000
$150,000
$265,000
$85,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Dallas vs Denver
Who Each City Is Best For
Dallas is best for
- ✓finance professionals
- ✓corporate workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓families
Denver is best for
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓skiers
- ✓tech workers
- ✓craft beer lovers
FAQs
Is Dallas or Denver cheaper to live in?
Dallas is 77% cheaper than Denver overall. Dallas 1BR rent ($1,450/mo) vs Denver ($1,740/mo). Median home price: Dallas $380K vs Denver $565K.
How much salary do I need in Denver to match $100K in Dallas?
$177,000 in Denver is equivalent to $100,000 in Dallas based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+20% difference) and state taxes (Dallas: None vs Denver: 4.4%).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Denver?
1BR: Dallas $1,450/mo vs Denver $1,740/mo (+20%). 2BR: Dallas $1,850/mo vs Denver $2,250/mo (+22%).
Does Dallas or Denver have lower taxes?
Dallas (TX) has None state income tax. Denver (CO) has 4.4% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,400.