Arizona vs Colorado Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,996
in Arizona
$72,745
in Colorado
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arizona | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.3 | 108.8 | +17% |
| Groceries | 101.9 | 101.2 | +1% |
| Utilities | 104.0 | 88.4 | +18% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 97.5 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 106.3 | -12% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.2 | 103.8 | +1% |
| Overall | 110.3 | 103.1 | +7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arizona.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arizona | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $530,000 | $135,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $1,523/mo | +$259 |
| Gas price | $3.97/gal | $3.53/gal | +$0.44 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $107/mo | +$6 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $21,840/yr | $6,215 |
Salary equivalent: Arizona → Colorado
What a Arizona salary buys you in Colorado, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arizona | Equivalent in Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,736 | +$3,264 |
| $75,000 | $70,104 | +$4,896 |
| $100,000 | $93,472 | +$6,528 |
| $150,000 | $140,209 | +$9,791 |
| $200,000 | $186,945 | +$13,055 |
Positive = your money goes further in Colorado. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arizona is 7% more expensive than Colorado overall. Arizona has an index of 110.3 vs 103.1 for Colorado (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Colorado?
Colorado is cheaper to live in. Arizona is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $530,000 in Colorado.
Is Colorado cheaper than Arizona?
Yes, Colorado is 7% cheaper than Arizona overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Arizona more expensive than Colorado?
Yes, Arizona is 7% more expensive than Colorado based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Colorado equals $100,000 in Arizona?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arizona, you would need approximately $93,472 in Colorado. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.3 vs 103.1).
How do housing costs compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arizona. Median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $530,000 in Colorado — a $135,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/mo vs $1,523/mo.
What costs more in Arizona vs Colorado?
Housing is 17% higher in Arizona (index 127.3 vs 108.8). Utilities is 18% higher in Arizona (index 104 vs 88.4). Healthcare is 12% lower in Arizona (index 93.4 vs 106.3).
Is gas cheaper in Arizona or Colorado?
Gas averages $3.97/gallon in Arizona and $3.53/gallon in Colorado — a $0.44 difference per gallon.
Arizona vs Colorado cost of living — how do they compare?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3 and Colorado has 103.1 (national average = 100). Arizona is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arizona vs Colorado paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arizona Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arizona vs Colorado Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.