Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Aurora, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 6.2% cheaper than Aurora, CO. This translates to saving $464 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, CO, you'd need approximately $144,436.364 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 14.2% cheaper than in Aurora, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,140/month in Aurora, CO.

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

Moving from Aurora, CO to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $464 per month, or $5564 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Aurora, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $464/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.4K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$464

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Aurora, CO

Population:395K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$431K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$414K

Aurora, CO

The Centennial State

395K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 395K 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: Aurora, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Aurora, CO	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $460less	14.2%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $97.09less	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$963/mo	↓ $65.95less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$561/mo	↑ $42.07more	8.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $27.32more	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.2%

Aurora, CO

$3,248

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$460

less

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Aurora, CO

$1,774

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Aurora, CO

$1,029

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$65.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Aurora, CO

$632

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Aurora, CO

$519

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$42.07

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Aurora, CO

$1,462

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$27.32

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Aurora, CO: Aurora Head Tax ($2/mo, negligible)$24.00/yr (0.0%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,685

To$1,390

↓ $295

1 Bed

From$1,795

To$1,510

↓ $285

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,750

↓ $390

3 Bed

From$2,805

To$2,330

↓ $475

Aurora, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,270/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Aurora, CO

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$597

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Phoenix

$431K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +18.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$353K - $728K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 4% less expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora 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

Aurora, 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

Aurora, 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.