Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Malden, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 27.0% cheaper than Malden, MA. This translates to saving $2026 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Malden, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Malden, MA, you'd need approximately $125,692.279 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Malden, MA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 38.1% cheaper than in Malden, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,444/month in Malden, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Malden, MA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Malden, MA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2026 per month, or $24308 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Malden, MA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Malden, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Malden, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.7K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,026

Savings

Annual Impact

$24.3K

Per year

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

Malden, MA

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$661K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:73

Median Home:$414K

Malden, MA

The Bay State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 65K 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: Malden, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Malden, MA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,505/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,717less	38.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,737/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $248less	14.3%
⚡All Utilities	$697/mo	$561/mo	↓ $136less	19.5%
🏥Healthcare	$724/mo	$589/mo	↓ $136less	18.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,051/mo	$963/mo	↓ $87.98less	8.4%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $54.08less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 38.1%

Malden, MA

$4,505

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,717

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.3%

Malden, MA

$1,737

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$248

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.5%

Malden, MA

$697

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$136

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.7%

Malden, MA

$724

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$136

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Malden, MA

$1,051

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$87.98

less

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

Malden, MA

$1,731

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$54.08

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,960

To$1,390

↓ $570

1 Bed

From$2,057

To$1,510

↓ $547

2 Bed

From$2,444

To$1,750

↓ $694

3 Bed

From$2,928

To$2,330

↓ $598

Malden, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,550–$2,550/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.

$10,446

Monthly in Malden, MA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,379

Difference

Home Values

Malden

Phoenix

$661K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +25%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$661K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 37% less expensive than Malden

Calculate payment - Malden Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$189

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Malden, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Malden, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.