Austin vs Denver: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Denver is 8% more expensive than Austin. Austin is 9% safer. Austin has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Austin population: 1,002,632. Denver population: 740,613.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Austin vs Denver
Austin is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 120 vs 130 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.
| Category | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 120 | 130 |
| Housing | $2,990/moIndex: 168 | $3,471/moIndex: 195 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $368/moIndex: 105 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $198/moIndex: 90 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Austin vs Denver
Austin is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Denver's 43.5. Austin earns a D- safety grade compared to Denver's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Austin
Texas
Denver
Colorado
| Metric | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 39.5/1K | 43.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 550.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3600.0 | 3800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.6 | 8.6 |
| Assault Rate | 278.3 | 429.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.6 | 99.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 461.8 | 593.2 |
| Theft Rate | 3112.6 | 3293.7 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 763.2 | 888.1 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Austin, you have a 1 in 25 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Denver.
Climate: Austin vs Denver
Austin Climate Overview
Denver Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80.2°F | 65.3°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 58.7°F | 36.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 33.9" | 15.5" |
| Annual Snow | None | 43.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 5 |
Austin is 8°F warmer in summer than Denver, but Denver is 25°F colder in winter than Austin. Denver gets 43 inches of snow annually, while Austin rarely sees any. Austin is wetter with 34" of annual rain compared to 16".
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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