Denison, TX vs Harlingen, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Harlingen is 20.7% cheaper than Denison. With a cost index of 67 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Harlingen to Denison should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Denison is $1,161/month compared to $893/month in Harlingen — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harlingen is more affordable at $125,700 median vs $167,800.

Median household income in Denison is $60,821 compared to $55,891 in Harlingen (+8.8%). Denison does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Denison spend roughly 22.9% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in Harlingen.