Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.1% cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO. This translates to saving $155 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highlands Ranch, CO, you'd need approximately $148,137.788 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 0.4% cheaper than in Highlands Ranch, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,588/month in Highlands Ranch, CO.

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

Moving from Highlands Ranch, CO to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $155 per month, or $1862 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Highlands Ranch, CO vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highlands Ranch, CO — COL adjusted from Denver, CO area + state data

Current salary in Highlands Ranch, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $155/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$155

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Highlands Ranch, CO

Population:103K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$414K

Highlands Ranch, CO

The Centennial State

103K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 103K 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: Highlands Ranch, CO vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Highlands Ranch, CO	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,400/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $88.70more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$561/mo	↑ $53.09more	10.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$963/mo	↓ $44.11less	4.4%
🏥Healthcare	$619/mo	$589/mo	↓ $29.96less	4.8%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $22.57less	1.3%
🏠Housing	$2,801/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $12.36less	0.4%

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.3%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,400

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$88.70

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$508

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$53.09

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,007

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$44.11

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.8%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$619

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$29.96

less

📦Other

↓ 1.3%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,700

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$22.57

less

🏠Housing

↓ 0.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$2,801

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$12.36

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,099

To$1,390

↑ $291

1 Bed

From$1,262

To$1,510

↑ $248

2 Bed

From$1,588

To$1,750

↑ $162

3 Bed

From$2,199

To$2,330

↑ $131

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.

$8,035

Monthly in Highlands Ranch, CO

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$32.80

Difference

Home Values

Highlands Ranch

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

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

Highlands Ranch, 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

Highlands Ranch, 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.