Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Denver, CO?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 14.2% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

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

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, 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.

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$414K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

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: Denver, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Denver, 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%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$460

less

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$97.09

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$65.95

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Denver, CO

$519

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$42.07

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$27.32

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/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$1,720

To$1,390

↓ $330

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,510

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,750

↓ $440

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$2,330

↓ $540

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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 Denver, CO

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$597

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Phoenix

$513K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 19% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver 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

Denver, 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

Denver, 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.