Is Denver, CO cheaper than Surprise, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 8.9% more expensive than Surprise, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $668 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Surprise, AZ, you'd need approximately $158,019.802 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 25.0% more expensive than in Surprise, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $668 more per month than Surprise, AZ, or $8020 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Surprise, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area

Current salary in Surprise, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $668/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.0K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$668

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.0K

Per year

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

Surprise, AZ

Population:158K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$385K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$513K

Surprise, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

158K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 158K 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: Surprise, AZ vs Denver, CO

Category	Surprise, AZ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,599/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $650more	25.0%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $100more	6.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$519/mo	↓ $27.32less	5.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $27.32less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 25.0%

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$650

📦Other

↑ 6.0%

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$100

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Surprise, AZ

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Surprise, AZ

$589

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$43.37

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.0%

Surprise, AZ

$546

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$27.32

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Surprise, 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%)

Surprise, 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$1,730

To$1,720

↓ $10.00

1 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,840

↓ $50.00

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,190

→ $0

3 Bed

From$2,920

To$2,870

↓ $50.00

Surprise, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/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.

$7,856

Monthly in Surprise, AZ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$809

Difference

Home Values

Surprise

Denver

$385K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$385K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 33% more expensive than Surprise

Calculate payment - Surprise 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

Surprise, 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

Surprise, 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.