Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Denver is 4% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $71,951 in Denver.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Denver.
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