Quick answer
Phoenix is 37% cheaper than Denver overall. A $100K salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $137,000 in Denver.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Phoenix vs Denver Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Phoenix is 37% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+26% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$137,000
Phoenix vs Denver: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,380/mo
$1,740/mo
+26%
2BR median rent
$1,720/mo
$2,250/mo
+31%
Median home price
$415K
$565K
+36%
Avg monthly groceries
$345
$370
+7%
Avg monthly utilities
$195
$145
-26%
State income tax
2.5%
4.4%
Phoenix saves
Walk score
41/100
61/100
Denver better
Transit score
29/100
44/100
Denver better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Denver to maintain the same standard of living as your current Phoenix salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$82,000
$44,000
$80,000
$110,000
$58,000
$100,000
$137,000
$73,000
$120,000
$165,000
$87,000
$150,000
$206,000
$109,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Phoenix vs Denver
Who Each City Is Best For
Phoenix is best for
- ✓remote workers
- ✓retirees
- ✓families on a budget
- ✓snowbirds
Denver is best for
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓skiers
- ✓tech workers
- ✓craft beer lovers
FAQs
Is Phoenix or Denver cheaper to live in?
Phoenix is 37% cheaper than Denver overall. Phoenix 1BR rent ($1,380/mo) vs Denver ($1,740/mo). Median home price: Phoenix $415K vs Denver $565K.
How much salary do I need in Denver to match $100K in Phoenix?
$137,000 in Denver is equivalent to $100,000 in Phoenix based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+26% difference) and state taxes (Phoenix: 2.5% vs Denver: 4.4%).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Denver?
1BR: Phoenix $1,380/mo vs Denver $1,740/mo (+26%). 2BR: Phoenix $1,720/mo vs Denver $2,250/mo (+31%).
Does Phoenix or Denver have lower taxes?
Phoenix (AZ) has 2.5% state income tax. Denver (CO) has 4.4% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$1,900.