Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Highland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 1.5% cheaper than Highland, CA. This translates to saving $113 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highland, CA, you'd need approximately $148,645.166 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 6.9% more expensive than in Highland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,484/month in Highland, CA.

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

Moving from Highland, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $113 per month, or $1355 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highland, CA — COL adjusted from San Bernardino, CA area + state data

Current salary in Highland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $113/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$113

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Highland, CA

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$448K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$414K

Highland, CA

The Golden State

56K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 56K 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: Highland, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Highland, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,094/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $605less	28.9%
🏠Housing	$2,609/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $179more	6.9%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $85.78more	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,024/mo	$963/mo	↓ $60.32less	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$543/mo	$589/mo	↑ $45.46more	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$549/mo	$561/mo	↑ $12.20more	2.2%

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.9%

Highland, CA

$2,094

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$605

less

🏠Housing

↑ 6.9%

Highland, CA

$2,609

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$179

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Highland, CA

$1,592

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$85.78

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Highland, CA

$1,024

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$60.32

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.4%

Highland, CA

$543

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$45.46

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Highland, CA

$549

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$12.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$990

To$1,390

↑ $400

1 Bed

From$1,154

To$1,510

↑ $356

2 Bed

From$1,484

To$1,750

↑ $266

3 Bed

From$2,062

To$2,330

↑ $268

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.

$8,411

Monthly in Highland, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$343

Difference

Home Values

Highland

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

Highland, 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

Highland, 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.