Is Denver, CO cheaper than Mesa, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 6.6% more expensive than Mesa, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $494 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Mesa, AZ, you'd need approximately $155,930.233 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 16.5% more expensive than in Mesa, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,785/month in Mesa, AZ.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $494 more per month than Mesa, AZ, or $5930 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mesa, AZ vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Mesa, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $494/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.9K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$494

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.9K

Per year

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

Mesa, AZ

Population:504K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$395K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

Mesa, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

504K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 504K residents.

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mesa, AZ vs Denver, CO

Category	Mesa, AZ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $460more	16.5%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $97.09more	5.8%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $65.95more	6.8%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$519/mo	↓ $42.07less	7.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $27.32less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.5%

Mesa, AZ

$2,788

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$460

📦Other

↑ 5.8%

Mesa, AZ

$1,677

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$97.09

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.8%

Mesa, AZ

$963

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$65.95

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Mesa, AZ

$589

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$43.37

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Mesa, AZ

$561

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$42.07

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Mesa, AZ

$1,489

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$27.32

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Mesa, 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$1,415

To$1,720

↑ $305

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,840

↑ $305

2 Bed

From$1,785

To$2,190

↑ $405

3 Bed

From$2,380

To$2,870

↑ $490

Mesa, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,390–$2,030/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Mesa, AZ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$597

Difference

Home Values

Mesa

Denver

$395K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +29.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$353K - $554K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 30% more expensive than Mesa

Calculate payment - Mesa Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$114

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Mesa, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Mesa, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.