Denver vs Phoenix: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

Denver's homes carry a median value of $540,400, which is 59% higher than the $340,200 median value in Phoenix.

On median household income, Denver posts $85,853 while Phoenix posts $72,092.

Renters pay a median $1,665 in Denver versus $1,322 in Phoenix.

Between the two, Phoenix carries the higher-rated hazard risk — FEMA puts it at Very High, versus Relatively High for Denver.

Metric	Denver, CO	Phoenix, AZ
Population	710,800	1,609,456
Median home value	$540,400	$340,200
Median household income	$85,853	$72,092
Median gross rent	$1,665	$1,322
Climate risk (FEMA)	Relatively High	Very High

Both home values and rent run lower in Phoenix, AZ than in Denver, CO, making it the more affordable of the two on housing alone.

Moving between Denver and Phoenix

Denver and Phoenix are 585 miles apart in a straight line.

What changes when you move	Denver → Phoenix	Phoenix → Denver
Median rent	−$343/mo (−21%)	+$343/mo (+26%)
Median home value	−$200,200 (−37%)	+$200,200 (+59%)
Median household income	−$13,761 (−16%)	+$13,761 (+19%)

Estimated moving cost (either direction)

Home size	Estimated cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$1,011 – $1,588
2-3 bedroom	$2,561 – $3,977
4+ bedroom house	$4,458 – $6,892

Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Denver, CO Phoenix, AZ

673 miles estimated driving distance · 11.2 hours of highway driving

DIY Truck Rental

$925 – $1,180

Includes an estimated $236 in fuel (67 gal at ~10 mpg) over 2 driving days.

Professional Movers

$3,634 – $6,518

Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.

Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index

Data last updated July 2026.