Is Denver, CO cheaper than Sun City West, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 14.5% more expensive than Sun City West, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $1091 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Sun City West, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Sun City West, AZ, you'd need approximately $163,088.129 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sun City West, AZ and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 46.1% more expensive than in Sun City West, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,131/month in Sun City West, AZ.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1091 more per month than Sun City West, AZ, or $13088 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sun City West, AZ vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sun City West, AZ — COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area + state data

Current salary in Sun City West, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.1K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 14.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,091

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.1K

Per year

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

Sun City West, AZ

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$398K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$513K

Sun City West, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 26K 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: Sun City West, AZ vs Denver, CO

Category	Sun City West, AZ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,224/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,025more	46.1%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $183more	11.5%
🛒Groceries	$935/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $93.83more	10.0%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$632/mo	↑ $58.02more	10.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,416/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $45.88more	3.2%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$519/mo	↓ $13.72less	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 46.1%

Sun City West, AZ

$2,224

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,025

📦Other

↑ 11.5%

Sun City West, AZ

$1,592

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$183

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.0%

Sun City West, AZ

$935

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$93.83

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.1%

Sun City West, AZ

$574

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$58.02

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.2%

Sun City West, AZ

$1,416

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$45.88

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Sun City West, AZ

$533

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$13.72

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Sun City West, 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$768

To$1,720

↑ $952

1 Bed

From$889

To$1,840

↑ $951

2 Bed

From$1,131

To$2,190

↑ $1,059

3 Bed

From$1,616

To$2,870

↑ $1,254

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.

$7,273

Monthly in Sun City West, AZ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,391

Difference

Home Values

Sun City West

Denver

Median Value

$513K

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

Price Range

$352K - $933K

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

Sun City West, 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

Sun City West, 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.