Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Brea, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 30.2% cheaper than Brea, CA. This translates to saving $2263 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Brea, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Brea, CA, you'd need approximately $122,844.727 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Brea, CA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 46.2% cheaper than in Brea, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,162/month in Brea, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Brea, CA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Brea, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2263 per month, or $27155 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brea, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brea, CA — COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area + state data

Current salary in Brea, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,263

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.2K

Per year

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

Brea, CA

Population:48K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$414K

Brea, CA

The Golden State

48K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 48K 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: Brea, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Brea, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,185/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $2,397less	46.2%
🚗Transportation	$2,071/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $582less	28.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,018/mo	$963/mo	↓ $54.78less	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$540/mo	$589/mo	↑ $48.40more	9.0%
📦Other	$1,655/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $22.63more	1.4%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$561/mo	↑ $15.17more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.2%

Brea, CA

$5,185

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$2,397

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.1%

Brea, CA

$2,071

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$582

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.4%

Brea, CA

$1,018

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$54.78

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.0%

Brea, CA

$540

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$48.40

📦Other

↑ 1.4%

Brea, CA

$1,655

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$22.63

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Brea, CA

$546

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$15.17

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,428

To$1,390

↓ $38.00

1 Bed

From$1,672

To$1,510

↓ $162

2 Bed

From$2,162

To$1,750

↓ $412

3 Bed

From$3,100

To$2,330

↓ $770

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.

$11,015

Monthly in Brea, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,947

Difference

Home Values

Brea

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$449

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

Brea, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Brea, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.