Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Jacksonville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 9.3% more expensive than Jacksonville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $698 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Jacksonville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Jacksonville, NC, you'd need approximately $158,380.371 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jacksonville, NC and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 23.0% more expensive than in Jacksonville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,170/month in Jacksonville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jacksonville, NC to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $698 more per month than Jacksonville, NC, or $8380 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jacksonville, NC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Jacksonville, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Jacksonville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $698/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.4K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 9.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$698

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.4K

Per year

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

Jacksonville, NC

Population:73K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$257K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$414K

Jacksonville, NC

The Tar Heel State

73K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 73K 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: Jacksonville, NC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Jacksonville, NC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,267/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $522more	23.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $255more	20.7%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$561/mo	↑ $35.32more	6.7%
📦Other	$1,649/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $28.23more	1.7%
🏥Healthcare	$609/mo	$589/mo	↓ $20.21less	3.3%
🛒Groceries	$972/mo	$963/mo	↓ $8.48less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 23.0%

Jacksonville, NC

$2,267

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$522

🚗Transportation

↑ 20.7%

Jacksonville, NC

$1,234

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$255

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

Jacksonville, NC

$526

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$35.32

📦Other

↑ 1.7%

Jacksonville, NC

$1,649

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$28.23

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.3%

Jacksonville, NC

$609

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$20.21

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Jacksonville, NC

$972

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$8.48

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$924

To$1,390

↑ $466

1 Bed

From$934

To$1,510

↑ $576

2 Bed

From$1,170

To$1,750

↑ $580

3 Bed

From$1,632

To$2,330

↑ $698

Jacksonville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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.

$7,256

Monthly in Jacksonville, NC

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$812

Difference

Home Values

Jacksonville

Phoenix

$257K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +51.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$252K - $261K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 61% more expensive than Jacksonville

Calculate payment - Jacksonville Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$158

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Jacksonville, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Jacksonville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.