Austin vs Denver
Tech / lifestyle boomtown tradeoff
MapsToIt comparison snapshot
Austin or Denver — which fits a move?
Austin, TX vs Denver, CO is a common relocator matchup (tech / lifestyle boomtown tradeoff). Austin has the lower citywide violent-offense rate (400.9 vs 748.9 per 100k). Austin posts the lower MapsToIt housing cost index (146 vs 162; 100 = U.S. avg), with median homes near $512,700 versus $586,700. Austin runs hotter in summer (96°F vs 87°F). Median incomes and average commutes are roughly even.
Side-by-side metrics
Figures use the same ACS housing index, BLS unemployment, FBI rates, and NOAA normals as each city profile — shown against U.S. / catalog baselines.
| Metric | Austin, TX | Denver, CO | U.S. / catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 993,588 | 729,019 | N/A City limits only (not metro / MSA) |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $91,681 | $78,538 U.S. avg · 16% above U.S. avg · relatively higher |
| Median home value | $512,700 | $586,700 | $303,400 U.S. avg · 69% above U.S. avg |
| Median rent | $1,655 | $1,770 | $1,348 U.S. avg · 23% above U.S. avg |
| Housing cost index | 146 | 162 | 100 U.S. avg · 100 = U.S. average (ACS home + rent) |
| Unemployment | 3.9% | 4.3% | 4.2% U.S. rate · county LAUS, not city-only |
| Avg commute | 26 min | 27 min | 25 min Catalog avg · Near catalog avg |
| Violent crime rate | 400.9 / 100k | 748.9 / 100k | 559.5 / 100k Catalog avg · citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Property crime rate | 3710.5 / 100k | 3743.5 / 100k | 3005.3 / 100k Catalog avg · citywide rate — inspect neighborhood / block data |
| Sunny days | 279 days | 281 days | 268 days Catalog avg · Near catalog avg |
| Summer high | 96°F | 87°F | 87°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
| Winter low | 44°F | 18°F | 35°F Catalog avg · NOAA normals · nearest station |
When should you pick Austin?
Choose Austin when you prioritize its specific mix: housing index 146, median rent $1,655, unemployment 3.9%, and 96°F summer highs — with research often starting in Downtown and South Congress.
When should you pick Denver?
Choose Denver when that profile fits better: housing index 162, median rent $1,770, unemployment 4.3%, and 87°F summer highs — newcomers often compare LoDo and RiNo.
Short verdict
Short verdict: pick Austin if housing cost is the binding constraint; pick Austin if the lower citywide violent-offense rate matters more. The housing-index gap is 16 points. Open each full city profile for neighborhood lists, sources, and the interactive compare tool.