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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Tucson

Arizona
76

Denver is 93% more expensive than Tucson.

$1,770/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,079/mo ↓ 39%
$91,681/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$54,546/yr ↓ 41%
$586,700 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$242,200 ↓ 59%
$1,839/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,076/mo ↓ 41%
713,734
Population
543,348

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
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Tucson, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $37,135/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $242,200 in Tucson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Tucson — common questions

Is Denver or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Tucson?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Tucson it's $1,079/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Tucson?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $54,546 in Tucson. Median household income is $37,135/year higher in Denver.
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 Tucson?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/mo, while Tucson has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,079/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Denver details → View Tucson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Tucson

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Tucson vs. Fresno Tucson vs. Sacramento Tucson vs. Albuquerque Tucson vs. Kansas City Tucson vs. Milwaukee Tucson vs. Mesa