Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Denton, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Phoenix is 9% more expensive than Denton.

$1,458/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 8%
$77,041/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 4%
$381,900 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 15%
$1,430/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↑ 2%
1,624,832
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $3,322/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Denton — common questions

Is Phoenix or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Denton?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Denton?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $3,322/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Denton details →

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