Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Albany, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 12.1% more expensive than Albany, GA. This translates to spending an extra $907 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Albany, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Albany, GA, you'd need approximately $160,889.395 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Albany, GA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 37.0% more expensive than in Albany, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,291/month in Albany, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Albany, GA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $907 more per month than Albany, GA, or $10889 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Albany, GA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Albany, GA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Columbus, GA area

Current salary in Albany, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $907/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.9K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$907

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Albany, GA

Population:67K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$106K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$414K

Albany, GA

The Peach State

67K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 67K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albany, GA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Albany, GA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,035/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $754more	37.0%
🏥Healthcare	$529/mo	$589/mo	↑ $59.60more	11.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,532/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $43.25less	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$601/mo	$561/mo	↓ $40.26less	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$987/mo	$963/mo	↓ $23.51less	2.4%
📦Other	$1,665/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $12.25more	0.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 37.0%

Albany, GA

$2,035

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$754

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.3%

Albany, GA

$529

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$59.60

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.8%

Albany, GA

$1,532

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$43.25

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.7%

Albany, GA

$601

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$40.26

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.4%

Albany, GA

$987

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$23.51

less

📦Other

↑ 0.7%

Albany, GA

$1,665

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$12.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,106

To$1,390

↑ $284

1 Bed

From$1,148

To$1,510

↑ $362

2 Bed

From$1,291

To$1,750

↑ $459

3 Bed

From$1,751

To$2,330

↑ $579

Albany, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,190/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,349

Monthly in Albany, GA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$718

Difference

Home Values

Albany

Phoenix

$106K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +32.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$77K - $135K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 290% more expensive than Albany

Calculate payment - Albany Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$268

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Albany, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Albany, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.