Denver vs Scottsdale

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Arizona salaries

Living in Denver vs Scottsdale

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.

Relocating: Denver vs Scottsdale

If you are considering a move between Denver (index: 118) and Scottsdale (index: 123), the 4% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Denver is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Denver can afford $1,695/month, while the median household in Scottsdale can afford $2,154/month. With median homes at $520,000 in Denver versus $580,000 in Scottsdale, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $1,900/month in Denver and $2,000/month in Scottsdale, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes about equally far in both cities. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Denver (118) vs Scottsdale (123)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Denver at 118 is 18% above the US average, while Scottsdale at 123 is 23% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $1,900/month in Denver and $2,000/month in Scottsdale, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $6,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $60,000 difference in median home prices between Denver and Scottsdale translates to roughly $3,600 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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