Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than La Crosse, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 8.1% more expensive than La Crosse, WI. This translates to spending an extra $607 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in La Crosse, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in La Crosse, WI, you'd need approximately $157,284.396 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between La Crosse, WI and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 23.7% more expensive than in La Crosse, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $873/month in La Crosse, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from La Crosse, WI to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $607 more per month than La Crosse, WI, or $7284 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

La Crosse, WI vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 La Crosse, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in La Crosse, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $607/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.3K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$607

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.3K

Per year

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

La Crosse, WI

Population:51K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$255K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$414K

La Crosse, WI

The Badger State

51K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 51K 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: La Crosse, WI vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	La Crosse, WI	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,254/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $534more	23.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,279/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $210more	16.4%
🏥Healthcare	$685/mo	$589/mo	↓ $96.73less	14.1%
⚡All Utilities	$485/mo	$561/mo	↑ $76.61more	15.8%
📦Other	$1,629/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $48.69more	3.0%
🛒Groceries	$915/mo	$963/mo	↑ $48.55more	5.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 23.7%

La Crosse, WI

$2,254

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$534

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.4%

La Crosse, WI

$1,279

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$210

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.1%

La Crosse, WI

$685

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$96.73

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.8%

La Crosse, WI

$485

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$76.61

📦Other

↑ 3.0%

La Crosse, WI

$1,629

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$48.69

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

La Crosse, WI

$915

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$48.55

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$599

To$1,390

↑ $791

1 Bed

From$669

To$1,510

↑ $841

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,750

↑ $877

3 Bed

From$1,144

To$2,330

↑ $1,186

La Crosse, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$900/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.

$7,247

Monthly in La Crosse, WI

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$821

Difference

Home Values

La Crosse

Phoenix

$255K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +37.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$230K - $280K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 62% more expensive than La Crosse

Calculate payment - La Crosse Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$301

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

Rate difference

La Crosse, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

La Crosse, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.