Denver, CO vs Phoenix, AZ Cost of Living (2026)

Denver has a cost of living index of 110, about 10% above the national average. The housing index is 120.3, so housing still does a lot to shape the local budget. Typical apartment rent is about $1,836 a month, and median home values are around $661,458. The median household income is approximately $86,000.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $90,900 worth of lifestyle in Denver. The premium is noticeable, but it is not on the same level as New York or San Francisco. Outside housing, healthcare and miscellaneous costs also run above the national baseline.

Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%, which is moderate. There's no additional city income tax for Denver residents, keeping the tax picture relatively simple. Groceries and transportation costs are close to the national average. The city's climate means lower heating costs than the Midwest but higher cooling costs than the Pacific Northwest.

One specific cost pressure in Denver is the combination of high property values and rising property tax bills. Colorado voters approved property tax relief measures in recent years, but effective rates on new or reassessed properties can still be significant. Renters are also affected indirectly since landlords pass rising property costs through in rent increases. Areas in Denver's eastern suburbs and in cities like Aurora and Lakewood offer somewhat lower rents while still providing access to the metro's job market.

Phoenix has a cost of living index of 105.2, about 5.2% above the national average. The housing index is 112.3, so housing still does a lot to shape the local budget. Typical apartment rent is about $1,860 a month, and median home values are around $607,541. The median household income is approximately $78,000.

A $100,000 salary in an average-cost city buys about $95,100 worth of lifestyle in Phoenix. The premium is noticeable, but it is not on the same level as New York or San Francisco. Outside housing, transportation and utilities also run above the national baseline.

Arizona has a flat state income tax of 2.5%, one of the lowest rates in the country. That's a meaningful advantage for workers who have been paying 5 to 10% in state income tax elsewhere. The combined effect of near-average overall costs and a low income tax rate makes Phoenix attractive for households prioritizing take-home pay.

One specific cost factor in Phoenix is energy bills. Air conditioning runs for six to eight months a year in the desert climate, and summer electric bills can range from $200 to $400 per month or more for a standard home. That cost is not reflected in the aggregate COL index in an immediately visible way but adds up to $1,500 to $3,000 in annual electricity costs above what residents in temperate climates pay. Water costs are also a consideration, as Arizona's long-term water supply remains a subject of ongoing policy and infrastructure debate.