Denver, Colorado vs Phoenix, Arizona (2026)
Mountain-West→desert: a steady winter-sun and work-relocation lane. Figures use public data: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents, Tax Foundation 2026 rates, and ReloFig's transparent moving model (BLS/EIA).
Personalize the comparison
Over 12 months at $100,000/yr: Phoenix runs about $4,900 less than Denver in rent + state income tax (tax: $1,900 less; rent: $3,000 less). One-time move cost differs by about $0 (Phoenix higher).
| Line | Denver | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (model, 2-BR) | $613–$2,161 | $613–$2,161 |
| 2-BR HUD FY2026 FMR | $2089/mo | $1839/mo |
| State income tax (top marginal) | 4.4% | 2.5% |
| Rent over 12 mo | $25,068 | $22,068 |
| Tax on $100,000 over 12 mo | $4,400 | $2,500 |
Model estimates only — rent uses HUD FMR (40th percentile), tax uses top-marginal rates (Tax Foundation 2026). Your actual rent and effective rate will differ.
Cost line items (2-bedroom basis)
| Item | Denver | Phoenix | Yearly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (model) | $613–$2,161 | $613–$2,161 | one-time |
| 2-BR rent (HUD FY2026 FMR) | $2089/mo | $1839/mo | $-3,000/yr |
| State income tax (top marginal, $100K) | 4.4% | 2.5% | $1,900/yr |
HUD FMRs are 40th-percentile gross rent benchmarks (huduser.gov). Tax rates are top-marginal (Tax Foundation 2026); your effective rate differs. Move figures are model estimates, not quotes.
Dive deeper
Denver to Phoenix corridor guide → · Colorado moving guide → · Arizona moving guide → · All state guides →