Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Tempe is 10% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $67,373 in Tempe.
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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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