Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 30.7% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2305 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $122,335.57 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 47.1% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Boston, MA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2305 per month, or $27664 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.3K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,305

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.7K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$414K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Boston, MA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $2,487less	47.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $341less	18.7%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$589/mo	↓ $155less	20.8%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$561/mo	↓ $155less	21.6%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $147less	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$963/mo	↓ $116less	10.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.1%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$2,487

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.7%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$341

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.8%

Boston, MA

$743

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$155

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.6%

Boston, MA

$716

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$155

less

📦Other

↓ 8.1%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$147

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$116

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,390

↓ $1,705

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,510

↓ $1,745

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,750

↓ $2,115

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,330

↓ $2,300

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,401

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Phoenix

$961K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 57% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$189

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.