Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Boulder, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 1.9% cheaper than Boulder, CO. This translates to saving $144 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Boulder, CO, you'd need approximately $148,275.718 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 0.3% cheaper than in Boulder, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,862/month in Boulder, CO.

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

Moving from Boulder, CO to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $144 per month, or $1724 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Boulder, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $144/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$144

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Boulder, CO

Population:106K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$938K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$414K

Boulder, CO

The Centennial State

106K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 106K 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: Boulder, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Boulder, CO	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,398/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $90.89more	6.5%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$561/mo	↑ $53.49more	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$963/mo	↓ $43.32less	4.3%
🏥Healthcare	$618/mo	$589/mo	↓ $29.47less	4.8%
📦Other	$1,697/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $19.92less	1.2%
🏠Housing	$2,796/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $7.98less	0.3%

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.5%

Boulder, CO

$1,398

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$90.89

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

Boulder, CO

$508

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$53.49

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.3%

Boulder, CO

$1,007

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$43.32

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.8%

Boulder, CO

$618

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$29.47

less

📦Other

↓ 1.2%

Boulder, CO

$1,697

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$19.92

less

🏠Housing

↓ 0.3%

Boulder, CO

$2,796

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$7.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,362

To$1,390

↑ $28.00

1 Bed

From$1,573

To$1,510

↓ $63.00

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,750

↓ $112

3 Bed

From$2,472

To$2,330

↓ $142

Boulder, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,910–$1,960/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.

$8,024

Monthly in Boulder, CO

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$43.69

Difference

Home Values

Boulder

Phoenix

$938K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +18.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$695K - $1.18M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 56% less expensive than Boulder

Calculate payment - Boulder 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

Boulder, 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

Boulder, 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.