Denton, TX vs Laredo, TX

The cost of living difference between Denton, TX and Laredo, TX is dramatic. Laredo is 35.6% cheaper than Denton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Denton has a cost index of 103 while Laredo sits at 76, 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 $1,001/month in Laredo — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Laredo is more affordable at $182,400 median vs $325,700.

Median household income in Denton is $73,719 compared to $63,264 in Laredo (+16.5%). Denton 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 Denton spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, more than the 19% in Laredo.