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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Denver is 17% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,770/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 8%
$91,681/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 2%
$586,700 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 33%
$1,839/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 14%
713,734
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $1,690/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Surprise — common questions

Is Denver or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Surprise?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Surprise?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $1,690/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Surprise

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite