Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$90,000 vs $92,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$70,313 vs $74,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$62,110 vs $68,555
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $92,000▲ | -$2,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,000 | $68,000▲ | -$2,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,000 | $120,000▲ | -$2,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $155,000▲ | -$3,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,313 | $74,194▲ | -$3,881 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $79,501 | $85,008▲ | -$5,507 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $62,110 | $68,555▲ | -$6,445 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 9,000 | -1,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $2,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $92,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($70,313 vs $74,194 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.