How does the cost of living compare to Texas? (specifically Dallas or Houston).

Thinking about looking for a job out there after I'm done with grad school.

Rent = somewhat more expensive
Home ownership = much more (although RE Taxes are significantly less)

Everything else, a little more but not much

It's worth it, as I will be living the CO dream in 10 days.

Housing is much more expensive than Texas. Cost of living is a little higher.

All depends on what you make of it. Most people I've talked to, when doing their individual research regarding a relocation to Denver have stated about 10-12% higher. Real estate is higher - this depends on where you live, but generally across the board it is still higher. Rent varies drastically with where you live. I have found rent to be relatively comparable, perhaps just a bit higher.

Roughly 5% state income tax. Property taxes are lower comparable to Houston, but you have to own property to take advantage of it. Sales tax seemed to be roughly comparable. Sales tax depends on your municipality. Each level of jurisdiction/government takes a piece of the pie. Totalling up in Denver, I think it was around 7something %.

Food and groceries seem to be a little higher. Gas prices seem to be comparable. Electricity/utlities depend. For me, personally, I walk to work, so I've cut out a major portion of my driving/gas bill. I also like it cold and can always throw more blankets on the bed, or put on more clothes, thus cutting down on when you have to turn the heater on. It is generally cooler, so there's no need to run an A/C for 9.5 months a year.

Ilve only been here a short period of time, but these are my general observations. Your milage may vary.

Tons of microbrewerys with good beer. You can buy hard liquor at decent prices at TARGET. You can even buy this on Sunday. There is no Academy, IKEA, or Frys.

quote:

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You can buy hard liquor at decent prices at TARGET

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Only the Target in Glendale.

Touche

A good point on the utilities, Wayne. The highest my gas/electric bill in my house has ever been is $100. About 6 months out of the year it's closer to $50.

Thanks for all the info! It'll still be a little more than a year before I'm out of grad school, but these are all good things to think about.

sales tax is more like 9% in the city of Denver, also plan on paying more when you register your car.

Denver sales tax is 7.72%

Good info on the thread. Wish we'd never given up the state to get in the Union back in the day. About all I miss is the friendliness of Texas, and Canyon Lake. Like the mountains, like the lack of humidity, and like my snow in Steamboat. Although I will admit that when I left Steamboat a week and a half ago it was 25 below 0, and a bit chilly to say the least.

Oh if you can find a place with In Floor Radiant Heat, pounce on it. It Rules!!!!!



Never Fear, Never Quit. - [quote off my favorite ball cap.]

[This message has been edited by Jetpilot86 (edited 12/21/2009 12:40a).]