Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Arvada, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.4% cheaper than Arvada, CO. This translates to saving $182 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Arvada, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Arvada, CO, you'd need approximately $147,818.949 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arvada, CO and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 0.8% cheaper than in Arvada, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,594/month in Arvada, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arvada, CO to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Arvada, CO to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $182 per month, or $2181 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arvada, CO vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Arvada, CO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Denver, CO area

Current salary in Arvada, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $182/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$182

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arvada, CO

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$570K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$414K

Arvada, CO

The Centennial State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arvada, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Arvada, CO	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,405/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $83.62more	6.0%
⚡All Utilities	$509/mo	$561/mo	↑ $52.17more	10.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,009/mo	$963/mo	↓ $45.93less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$620/mo	$589/mo	↓ $31.08less	5.0%
📦Other	$1,706/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $28.74less	1.7%
🏠Housing	$2,811/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $22.52less	0.8%

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.0%

Arvada, CO

$1,405

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$83.62

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.2%

Arvada, CO

$509

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$52.17

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Arvada, CO

$1,009

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$45.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Arvada, CO

$620

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$31.08

less

📦Other

↓ 1.7%

Arvada, CO

$1,706

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$28.74

less

🏠Housing

↓ 0.8%

Arvada, CO

$2,811

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$22.52

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,254

To$1,390

↑ $136

1 Bed

From$1,340

To$1,510

↑ $170

2 Bed

From$1,594

To$1,750

↑ $156

3 Bed

From$2,088

To$2,330

↑ $242

Arvada, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,000/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,060

Monthly in Arvada, CO

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7.50

Difference

Home Values

Arvada

Phoenix

$570K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +21.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$519K - $629K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 27% less expensive than Arvada

Calculate payment - Arvada Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$114

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Arvada, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Arvada, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.