Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than East Palo Alto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 37.1% cheaper than East Palo Alto, CA. This translates to saving $2785 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in East Palo Alto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in East Palo Alto, CA, you'd need approximately $116,580.593 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between East Palo Alto, CA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 57.5% cheaper than in East Palo Alto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,677/month in East Palo Alto, CA.

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

Moving from East Palo Alto, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2785 per month, or $33419 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

East Palo Alto, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 East Palo Alto, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in East Palo Alto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,785

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.4K

Per year

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

East Palo Alto, CA

Population:28K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.06M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$414K

East Palo Alto, CA

The Golden State

28K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 28K 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: East Palo Alto, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	East Palo Alto, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,563/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,774less	57.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,343/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $146more	10.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,103/mo	$963/mo	↓ $140less	12.7%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$561/mo	↑ $107more	23.7%
🏥Healthcare	$690/mo	$589/mo	↓ $101less	14.7%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $64.09less	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 57.5%

East Palo Alto, CA

$6,563

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,774

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.9%

East Palo Alto, CA

$1,343

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$146

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.7%

East Palo Alto, CA

$1,103

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$140

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.7%

East Palo Alto, CA

$454

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$107

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.7%

East Palo Alto, CA

$690

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$101

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

East Palo Alto, CA

$1,741

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$64.09

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,906

To$1,390

↓ $516

1 Bed

From$2,239

To$1,510

↓ $729

2 Bed

From$2,677

To$1,750

↓ $927

3 Bed

From$3,464

To$2,330

↓ $1,134

East Palo Alto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,760–$2,760/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.

$11,894

Monthly in East Palo Alto, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,826

Difference

Home Values

East Palo Alto

Phoenix

$2.06M

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +15.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$2.06M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 80% less expensive than East Palo Alto

Calculate payment - East Palo Alto 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

East Palo Alto, 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

East Palo Alto, 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.