Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Fresno, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.8% cheaper than Fresno, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fresno, CA, you'd need approximately $149,307.692 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 6.2% more expensive than in Fresno, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,615/month in Fresno, CA.

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

Moving from Fresno, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $58 per month, or $692 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fresno, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $57.69/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$57.69

Savings

Annual Impact

$692

Per year

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

Fresno, CA

Population:542K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$319K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$414K

Fresno, CA

The Golden State

542K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 542K 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: Fresno, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Fresno, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $164more	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$963/mo	↓ $126less	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$502/mo	$589/mo	↑ $86.74more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $80.35less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$561/mo	↑ $31.15more	5.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $13.66more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 6.2%

Fresno, CA

$2,625

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$164

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.6%

Fresno, CA

$1,089

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$126

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 17.3%

Fresno, CA

$502

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$86.74

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Fresno, CA

$1,758

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$80.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.9%

Fresno, CA

$530

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$31.15

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.9%

Fresno, CA

$1,475

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$13.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,305

To$1,390

↑ $85.00

1 Bed

From$1,315

To$1,510

↑ $195

2 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,750

↑ $135

3 Bed

From$2,245

To$2,330

↑ $85.00

Fresno, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$2,010/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.

$7,979

Monthly in Fresno, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$89.01

Difference

Home Values

Fresno

Phoenix

$319K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +32%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$197K - $504K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 30% more expensive than Fresno

Calculate payment - Fresno 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

Fresno, 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

Fresno, 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.