Is Denver, CO cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 16.5% more expensive than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

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

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Phoenix, AZ

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, 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.

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$513K

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

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Denver, CO

Category	Phoenix, 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%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$460

📦Other

↑ 5.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$97.09

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$65.95

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$43.37

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$42.07

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Phoenix, 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%)

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$1,390

To$1,720

↑ $330

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,840

↑ $330

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$2,190

↑ $440

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,870

↑ $540

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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 Phoenix, AZ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$597

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Denver

$414K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 24% more expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix 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

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

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

Phoenix, 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.