Phoenix vs Denver: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Denver is 24% more expensive than Phoenix. Phoenix is 14% safer. Phoenix has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Phoenix population: 1,665,481. Denver population: 740,613.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Phoenix vs Denver
Phoenix is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 130 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.
| Category | Phoenix | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 105 | 130 |
| Housing | $2,314/moIndex: 130 | $3,471/moIndex: 195 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| Utilities | $231/moIndex: 105 | $198/moIndex: 90 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Phoenix vs Denver
Phoenix is 14% safer overall, with a crime rate of 37.5 per 1,000 residents vs Denver's 43.5. Phoenix earns a D safety grade compared to Denver's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Phoenix
Arizona
Denver
Colorado
| Metric | Phoenix | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 37.5/1K | 43.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 550.0 | 550.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3200.0 | 3800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.0 | 8.6 |
| Assault Rate | 436.3 | 429.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.2 | 99.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 411.7 | 593.2 |
| Theft Rate | 2759.4 | 3293.7 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 680.5 | 888.1 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Phoenix, you have a 1 in 27 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Denver.
Climate: Phoenix vs Denver
Phoenix Climate Overview
Denver Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 86.8°F | 65.3°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 62.4°F | 36.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 7.3" | 15.5" |
| Annual Snow | None | 43.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 5 |
Phoenix is 16°F warmer in summer than Denver, but Denver is 27°F colder in winter than Phoenix. Denver gets 43 inches of snow annually, while Phoenix rarely sees any. Denver is wetter with 16" of annual rain compared to 7". Phoenix has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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