A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Denton Texas National
Cost of living10594100
Groceries9698100
Health care9998100
Housing12583100
Transportation9598100
Utilities101103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare10198100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Denton, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Denton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Denton is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Denton are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Denton can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs significantly influence the Denton cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 24.6%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Denton?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 7 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Denton. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 57% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 43% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Denton Affordable?

Is Denton an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Denton is 27.4% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 18% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Denton has a median household income of $92,973, which is 14.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Denton?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Denton, healthcare costs are 1.4% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Denton cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Denton is 12% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Denton is 5% higher than the national average
  • Denton housing is 25% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Denton

See all the best places to live around Denton

Compare Denton, TX Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
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      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$137,841$11,487$3,216$4,136
      Renters$55,085$4,590$1,285$1,653
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Denton, TX, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Denton, homeowners have a median income of $137,841. Using that number, a maximum of $3,216 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $55,085, which means there is a maximum of $1,285 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Corral City, TX14991.3%
      Bristol, TX462991.1%
      Lincoln Park, TX1998020.2%
      Pilot Point, TX4,5751000.1%
      Sanger, TX8,7471000.1%
      Denton, TX145,0191055.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saguenay, QC145,134n/a 
      Midland, TX145,3241087.7%
      Kelowna, BC145,612n/a 
      Dayton, OH145,9278217.9%
      Orange, CA144,05417878.4%
      Denton, TX145,0191055.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.