MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Auburn, AL โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Columbus, GA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 19.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,423
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$17.1K
Per year

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

Auburn, AL

Population:82K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$388K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:119
Median Home:$414K

Auburn, AL

The Heart of Dixie

82K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 82K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขFastest growing major city
  • โ€ขDesert metropolis
  • โ€ขSpring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Auburn, AL vs Phoenix, AZ

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 61.6%
Auburn, AL
$1,726
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$1,063
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 6.9%
Auburn, AL
$1,569
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$109
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 14.6%
Auburn, AL
$513
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$75.12
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 3.1%
Auburn, AL
$1,444
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$45.32
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 3.9%
Auburn, AL
$584
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$22.62
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 0.6%
Auburn, AL
$958
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$5.43
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Auburn, AL: Auburn Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$771
To$1,390
โ†‘ $619
1 Bed
From$983
To$1,510
โ†‘ $527
2 Bed
From$1,076
To$1,750
โ†‘ $674
3 Bed
From$1,364
To$2,330
โ†‘ $966
Auburn, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090โ€“$1,260/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300โ€“$2,380/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,793
Monthly in Auburn, AL
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,275
Difference

Home Values

Auburn
Phoenix
$388K
Median Value
$414K
โ†‘ +4.5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -3.1%
โ†‘ +36.5%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +30.2%
$364K - $412K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 7% more expensive than Auburn

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $2.2K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$186
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.5%
Rate difference

Auburn, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

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

Auburn, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Auburn
Phoenix
49 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
52.7%
Good Air Days
9%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
100 Very High
None
Top Hazards
๐Ÿ”ฅ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
64 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
162 days
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
64 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
162 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Alabama and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison