Colorado vs Arizona: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Colorado and Arizona. Based on our analysis, Colorado offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Our Recommendation
Colorado
Offers approximately $164/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
CO
Better Taxes
AZ
Lower COL
AZ
Higher Stipends
CO
Best Net Income
CO
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado | Arizona | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $50/hr | $48/hr | CO |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,288 | $3,019 | CO |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 2.5% | AZ |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $2,720 | $2,510 | CO |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.1 | 97.2 | AZ |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | AZ |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $840 | $686 | CO |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $2,397 | $2,233 | CO |
Colorado Overview
Pay: Colorado offers $50/hr average with $3,288/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 4.4% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 105.1 with average rent of $1,400/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $300 fee, 2-4 weeks.
Arizona Overview
Pay: Arizona offers $48/hr average with $3,019/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 2.5% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 97.2 with average rent of $1,200/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $300 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Colorado or Arizona?
Colorado offers higher gross pay at $50/hr compared to $48/hr. However, Colorado provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Colorado or Arizona better for travel nurse taxes?
Arizona is more tax-friendly with a 2.5% state tax. Colorado has a 4.4% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Colorado and Arizona?
Colorado has a COL index of 105.1 while Arizona is 97.2. Average 1BR rent: Colorado $1400/mo vs Arizona $1200/mo. Arizona is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Colorado offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,288/week compared to $1,099/week in Arizona.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Colorado or Arizona?
Based on our analysis, Colorado offers approximately $164 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Colorado is compact, Arizona is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.