Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Lincoln, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 7.2% cheaper than Lincoln, CA. This translates to saving $543 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, CA, you'd need approximately $143,489.866 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 11.1% cheaper than in Lincoln, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,247/month in Lincoln, CA.

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

Moving from Lincoln, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $543 per month, or $6510 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lincoln, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Sacramento, CA area

Current salary in Lincoln, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $543/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.5K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$543

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.5K

Per year

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

Lincoln, CA

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$627K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$414K

Lincoln, CA

The Golden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 55K 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: Lincoln, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Lincoln, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,136/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $347less	11.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,351/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $138more	10.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,033/mo	$963/mo	↓ $69.56less	6.7%
⚡All Utilities	$517/mo	$561/mo	↑ $44.34more	8.6%
📦Other	$1,719/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $41.68less	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$604/mo	$589/mo	↓ $15.55less	2.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.1%

Lincoln, CA

$3,136

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$347

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.2%

Lincoln, CA

$1,351

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$138

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.7%

Lincoln, CA

$1,033

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$69.56

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.6%

Lincoln, CA

$517

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$44.34

📦Other

↓ 2.4%

Lincoln, CA

$1,719

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$41.68

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.6%

Lincoln, CA

$604

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$15.55

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,738

To$1,390

↓ $348

1 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,510

↓ $317

2 Bed

From$2,247

To$1,750

↓ $497

3 Bed

From$2,990

To$2,330

↓ $660

Lincoln, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$2,260/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.

$8,359

Monthly in Lincoln, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$291

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Phoenix

$627K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +18.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$627K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 34% less expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln 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

Lincoln, 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

Lincoln, 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.