65
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
57
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Austin wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Austin wins 2–1 overall (65/100)
💰 Austin is more affordable
💼 Denver has lower unemployment
🛡️ Denver has fewer disasters
📋 Austin vs Denver — The Verdict
Austin scores 65.5/100 compared to Denver's 57.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Austin has a clear edge with home prices 15% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Denver has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Austin are 15% lower — a difference of $78,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Austin saves you $116/month — that's $1,392 per year.
📊
Denver has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Austin has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Denver has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$461,500
$540,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,549
$1,665
Median Income
$86,556
$85,853
Electricity ¢/kWh
12.30¢
¢
Austin edges out Denver on housing costs by 15%, a difference of $78,900. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.8%
Top Jobs — Austin
Software Developer
$125,430
Registered Nurse
$78,340
Project Manager
$98,760
Accountant
$72,150
Marketing Manager
$105,200
Top Jobs — Denver
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Denver having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
28 Good
61 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
3
0
Austin wins on air quality with an AQI 33 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
2,000 Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
✅ Yes
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
5.46
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
12
6
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Low
Denver has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Austin to Denver: Common Questions
Is Austin or Denver cheaper to live in?
Austin is more affordable overall. Home prices are $78,900 lower in Austin. Monthly rent is $1,549 in Austin vs $1,665 in Denver.
Does Austin or Denver have better weather?
Denver scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Austin or Denver better for finding a job?
Denver currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Austin vs 3.8% in Denver. Median household income is $86,556 in Austin and $85,853 in Denver.
Which city is safer — Austin or Denver?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Denver is safer. Austin has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Denver. Austin scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Denver.
Should I move from Austin to Denver?
Based on our data, Austin scores 65.5/100 vs Denver's 57.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Austin is more affordable, while Denver has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.