Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Lakewood, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 20.5% cheaper than Lakewood, CA. This translates to saving $1535 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CA, you'd need approximately $131,578.056 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 34.4% cheaper than in Lakewood, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,631/month in Lakewood, CA.

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

Moving from Lakewood, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $1535 per month, or $18422 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lakewood, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Long Beach, CA area

Current salary in Lakewood, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,535

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.4K

Per year

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

Lakewood, CA

Population:78K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$852K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:80

Median Home:$414K

Lakewood, CA

The Golden State

78K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 78K 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: Lakewood, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Lakewood, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,249/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,460less	34.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,075/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $586less	28.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$963/mo	↓ $55.58less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$541/mo	$589/mo	↑ $47.98more	8.9%
📦Other	$1,657/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $20.05more	1.2%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$561/mo	↑ $14.75more	2.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 34.4%

Lakewood, CA

$4,249

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,460

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.2%

Lakewood, CA

$2,075

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$586

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Lakewood, CA

$1,019

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$55.58

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.9%

Lakewood, CA

$541

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$47.98

📦Other

↑ 1.2%

Lakewood, CA

$1,657

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$20.05

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.7%

Lakewood, CA

$546

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$14.75

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,887

To$1,390

↓ $497

1 Bed

From$2,108

To$1,510

↓ $598

2 Bed

From$2,631

To$1,750

↓ $881

3 Bed

From$3,333

To$2,330

↓ $1,003

Lakewood, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,370–$2,840/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.

$10,087

Monthly in Lakewood, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,019

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Phoenix

$852K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +27.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$802K - $884K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 51% less expensive than Lakewood

Calculate payment - Lakewood 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

Lakewood, 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

Lakewood, 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.