City Comparison · 2026
Denver vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Denver = $81k in Phoenix
Metric
Denver
Phoenix
COL Index
1.39
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,900/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,400/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
CO
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$74,336
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
25.66%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$51,536
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Denver CO | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,608 $3,967/mo · 20.65% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $74,336 $6,195/mo · 25.66% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $106,678 $8,890/mo · 28.88% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denver or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Denver has a cost-of-living index of 1.39 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Denver is $1,900/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Denver vs Phoenix?
$100k in Denver = $81k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 19.4%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Denver or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $74,336 in CO (Denver) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $51,536 in Denver vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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