Is Denver, CO cheaper than Tucson, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 12.2% more expensive than Tucson, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $918 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tucson, AZ, you'd need approximately $161,020.408 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 42.0% more expensive than in Tucson, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $918 more per month than Tucson, AZ, or $11020 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tucson, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $918/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.0K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$918

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.0K

Per year

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$327K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$513K

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K 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: Tucson, AZ vs Denver, CO

Category	Tucson, AZ	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $962more	42.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $137more	10.3%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.5%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$632/mo	↑ $61.96more	10.9%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$519/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 42.0%

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$962

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.3%

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$137

📦Other

↓ 4.5%

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$83.70

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.9%

Tucson, AZ

$570

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$61.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

Tucson, AZ

$486

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$32.79

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Tucson, 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$1,010

To$1,720

↑ $710

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,840

↑ $710

2 Bed

From$1,460

To$2,190

↑ $730

3 Bed

From$2,030

To$2,870

↑ $840

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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.

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,109

Difference

Home Values

Tucson

Denver

$327K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$229K - $722K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 57% more expensive than Tucson

Calculate payment - Tucson 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

Tucson, 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

Tucson, 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.