Denton, TX vs Harlingen, TX

The cost of living difference between Denton, TX and Harlingen, TX is dramatic. Harlingen is 53.4% cheaper than Denton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Denton has a cost index of 103 while Harlingen sits at 67, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Denton is $1,344/month compared to $893/month in Harlingen — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harlingen is more affordable at $125,700 median vs $325,700.

Median household income in Denton is $73,719 compared to $55,891 in Harlingen (+31.9%). The higher salaries in Denton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Denton spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in Harlingen.