Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Tucson is 21% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $59,110 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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