Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$135,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$105,469 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$93,165 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $135,000 | $140,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,000 | $108,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,000 | $182,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $218,000 | $225,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,469 | $112,903▲ | -$7,434 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $119,251 | $129,360▲ | -$10,109 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,165 | $104,323▲ | -$11,158 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 38,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $135,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($105,469 vs $112,903 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Software Developer City Comparisons
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.