Austin Vs Denver: What are you doing on Tuesday night?

Blues on the Green in Austin, Texas, captured by Andrew Bennett, photographer and CEO of Bennett Creative.

There’s been much comparing and contrasting of cities in the media lately. Which cities are most affordable, kid friendly, pet friendly, the walkability and green space, the list goes on. We’re biased, obviously, but to us, Austin, Texas is a big winner. We were recently approached to weigh in for an article by Redfin taking a look at Denver vs. Austin. These two cities are often compared by many, myself included, as they tend to appeal to the outdoorsy, creative types. And let's be honest, breweries abound in both cities, so that doesn’t help with the choice.

We’re Here for the Music

Want to see what Bennett Creative Video Production and Marketing CEO Andrew Bennett had to say about Austin? Check it out: Denver vs Austin: Which city is right for you? Comparing real estate, cost of living, culture, and more | Redfin. I’ll give you a hint, it’s a rave about the music scene. If you know Andrew, you won’t be shocked that this is his favorite aspect. Having been in a band for years, filming and directing music videos, and being named “Best Live Music Photographer” by the Austin Chronicle, Andrew knows the scene very well.

What is the Cost of Living in Austin and Denver?

The Redfin article covers how Denver and Austin are two fast-growing cities with unique lifestyles and economic opportunities. Denver attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its mountain views and year-round recreation, while Austin is known for its live music, tech industry, and vibrant culture.

Denver’s housing market features modern downtown condos and suburban homes, with a median home price of $587,500 and an average rent of $1,999. Austin’s housing market, fueled by the tech boom, offers downtown condos and suburban homes at a median price of $550,000, with rent averaging $1,374.

Overall, Austin’s cost of living is about 10% lower than Denver’s. Utilities are higher in Austin due to air conditioning needs, but groceries, transportation, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses are lower.

Denver’s economy thrives in aerospace, energy, and technology, with a median household income of $94,000 and an average hourly wage of $36.50. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, Google, and UCHealth. 

Austin’s job market is strong in tech and creative industries, with companies like Tesla, Apple, and Dell. The median household income is $92,000, and the average wage is $33.25.

What’s Transportation like in Austin?

Denver spans 155 square miles with a population of 716,000, while Austin covers 125 square miles with 962,000 residents, making it denser. Denver has four seasons with snowy winters, mild springs, and sunny summers, whereas Austin has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, perfect for a film industry. Need a video shot in warm-looking, sunny weather in the winter? Austin has you covered.

Denver’s transportation includes buses, light rail, and bike-friendly infrastructure, with a walk score of 61. Austin is more car-dependent, with limited public transit, a lower walk score of 42, and growing biking infrastructure.

Live music photographer Andrew Bennett captured Major Grizz at Stubbs, a renown Austin music venue.

Why Do People Love Austin?

Denver offers urban attractions like Union Station and the Denver Art Museum, alongside outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Austin’s lifestyle revolves around live music, food trucks, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, and exploring South Congress. Both cities have thriving arts, food, and entertainment scenes, but Denver leans more toward outdoor recreation, while Austin is more culturally and musically driven.

The article highlights Austin as a city overflowing with creativity, where music, film, and art thrive in every corner. Unlike Denver, where outdoor recreation plays a major role in daily life, Austin’s heartbeat is its music scene. Bennett Creative’s CEO describes how any random Tuesday, residents can find world-class performances, whether at a major festival or their favorite dive bar. This relentless passion for music fuels the city’s cultural vibrancy, making it a haven for artists and creatives alike.

Beyond music, Austin’s creative energy is evident in its locally owned businesses, exploding film industry, and deep-rooted artistic community. From the Elisabet Ney Museum to countless murals lining the city streets, creativity is embedded in Austin’s identity. The city’s independent spirit allows artists to come alive, with venues and festivals fostering collaboration between musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists.

While Denver also embraces creativity through its street art, immersive exhibits, and arts districts, Austin’s energy is more spontaneous and deeply tied to its cultural DNA. Whether it’s a weeknight night show or a groundbreaking indie film screening, Austin’s artistic pulse never slows down.

Is it Cheaper to Live in Austin or Denver?

Cost also plays a huge role in where someone chooses to live and according to this article, creatives rejoice! Austin is more affordable! Austin offers notable cost benefits compared to Denver, particularly in housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare:

• Lower Housing Costs: The median home price in Austin is about $550,000, compared to Denver’s $587,500. Rental costs are significantly lower, averaging $1,374 per month in Austin versus $1,999 in Denver.

• Cheaper Groceries: Food costs in Austin are 6% lower, thanks to its proximity to Texas agricultural markets, which keeps prices competitive.

• Lower Transportation Costs: Transportation expenses in Austin are 4% lower than in Denver, despite traffic congestion. Denver’s public transit is more developed, but Austin’s costs remain slightly cheaper.

• More Affordable Healthcare: Medical expenses are 4% lower in Austin due to a competitive healthcare market and lower facility costs.

• Overall Lower Cost of Living: Austin’s cost of living is 10% lower than Denver’s, making it a more budget-friendly option while still offering a thriving job market and cultural scene.

You'll catch Austinites at the lake on any given day. Wether its to cool down on a hot day, take a boat ride, paddle boarding or kayaking, on Lady Bird Lake Trail, or just taking in views, it's where locals are.

Barton Springs, ACL, and Coffee Shop Live DJ Sets

For the outdoorsy creatives, yes, Denver has mountains and gloriously cooler summers, but if you don’t like winter and don’t mind hikes that don’t have much elevation gain (or none at all, really), Austin is a great place to call home. So many trails, parks, swimming holes and green spaces. We don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a day at Barton Springs to read a book and people watch. If you time it right in October, you can also catch some free ALC music while taking a dip. Recharging and getting inspired outdoors is a huge part of Austin as well.

Grabbing coffee and tacos? The latest trend on the coffee shop scene is live DJ sets. Let me tell you, this has been huge. Lines down the street, some events waitlisted. If you want a dance party without the late night hours, beats without the booze, these DJ sets are for you. Austin is full of music options, y'all.

Come for the Texas sun (cue Leon Bridges), stay for the music. Visit Denver when it’s been 100 for too many days in Texas, or for a ski trip, if that’s your thing. That’s our advice.