Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Tucson, AZ

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

18.8% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
36.4% 36.4% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.4% cheaper
Denver
132
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 8.6% cheaper
Denver
105
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 11.5% cheaper
Denver
104
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Denver
96
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index1129118.8% less
Housing1328436.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,00038.3% less
Median Home Price$540,000$270,00050.0% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation105968.6% less
Healthcare1049211.5% less
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax4.40%2.50%
State Sales Tax2.90%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Tucson to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Denver713,252
Tucson542,629

Moving from Denver to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver and Tucson → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Tucson →

Compare Other Cities

Denver vs Austin → Denver vs Nashville → Denver vs Raleigh → Tucson vs Portland → Tucson vs Phoenix → Tucson vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 36.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $620 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Tucson?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Denver to Tucson?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Denver vs Tucson?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $270,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Arizona averages 0.51%.