Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Denver is 11% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,770/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 8%
$91,681/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 17%
$586,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 21%
$1,839/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ≈ Same
713,734
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $15,691/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Denver or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $15,691/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Scottsdale

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk