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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Colorado
Offers approximately $41/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
CO
Better Taxes
Tie
Lower COL
AZ
Higher Stipends
CO
Best Discretionary Income
CO
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado | Arizona | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $50/hr | $48/hr | CO |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $4,233 | $4,146 | CO |
| State Income Tax | Applies | Applies | Tie |
| Cost of Living Index | 105.1 | 97.2 | AZ |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,400/mo | $1,200/mo | AZ |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,589 | $1,624 | AZ |
| Compact License State | Yes | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $3,910 | $3,869 | CO |
Colorado Overview
Pay: Colorado offers $50/hr average with $4,233/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 $4,146/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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.
Ready to Calculate Your Exact Pay?
Use our pay calculator with your specific contract details for both states.
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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Colorado or Arizona better for travel nurse taxes?
Both states levy a state income tax, so neither has a clear edge here — we don't publish specific rates, since a wrong number is worse than none. Check each state's official tax tables, or use the calculator with your own known rates to compare.
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 $2,233/week compared to $2,226/week in Arizona.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Colorado or Arizona?
Based on our analysis, Colorado offers approximately $41 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Colorado is compact, Arizona is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.