Denton vs Killeen
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Denton
Killeen
The Verdict
Living in Killeen costs 28.6% less than Denton. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Denton, you would need $58,333 in Killeen.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Denton has the same purchasing power as $58,333 in Killeen.
Conversely, $75,000 in Killeen equals $96,429 in Denton.
Living in Denton vs Killeen
Housing Costs
Denton's housing index of 126 is higher Killeen's 56, translating to median home prices of $385,000 vs $235,000. The $150,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,756 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,425/mo in Denton compared to $975/mo in Killeen, a monthly difference of $450.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Denton and 96 in Killeen. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Denton vs $456/month in Killeen. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 90 in Denton and 108 in Killeen. Monthly utility bills average approximately $360 in Denton vs $432 in Killeen. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Denton and 96 in Killeen. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,700 in Denton and $56,400 in Killeen. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $68,241 and $67,143 respectively. Denton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,720/month to housing in Denton vs $1,316/month in Killeen. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/mo fits within this budget. In Killeen, median rent of $975/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 70 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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