Denver vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is 31% cheaper than Denver overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ vs 4.4% in CO.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Denver and Tucson reveals a substantial difference in the overall cost of living, with Denver being considerably more expensive. This gap is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are much higher in the Colorado capital. Other categories like food, healthcare, and transportation also contribute to Denver's higher cost, though to a lesser extent. Tucson offers a more budget-friendly option across most spending areas, making it a noticeably more affordable place to reside overall.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant disparity between these two cities. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are substantially higher in Denver compared to Tucson. While Denver's housing market is characterized by a mix of historic and modern homes, Tucson often features more adobe and stucco-style residences common in the Southwest. Beyond the purchase price or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting the total cost of homeownership in each metro.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ between Denver and Tucson. State income tax rates are lower in Arizona, which can mean more take-home pay for residents of Tucson. Transportation costs, including the average commute time, are somewhat higher in Denver. Groceries and healthcare services are also more expensive in Denver. Utilities, however, are slightly higher in Tucson, likely due to climate control needs. Overall, routine spending on daily necessities will be noticeably less in Tucson.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle and environment vary considerably. Denver, nestled against the Rocky Mountains, offers a four-season climate with snowy winters and sunny summers, appealing to those who enjoy mountain recreation. Tucson, in the Sonoran Desert, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, with a distinct desert landscape. Denver has a more extensive public transit system, while Tucson is more car-dependent. Denver generally feels more bustling, whereas Tucson offers a more relaxed pace.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the impact on the budget is clear. A move to Tucson would generally result in a much lower cost of living, primarily due to significantly reduced housing expenses. While some utility costs might be slightly higher in the desert, nearly all other categories, including income tax, food, and healthcare, are more affordable. Conversely, moving to Denver would entail a substantially higher financial commitment across the board, especially for housing.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 88 |
| Housing index | 146 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 89 |
| Food index | 105 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 108 |
| Misc index | 108 | 82 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 28 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.