Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Monterey, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 34.2% cheaper than Monterey, CA. This translates to saving $2564 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Monterey, CA, you'd need approximately $119,236.142 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 58.9% cheaper than in Monterey, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,387/month in Monterey, CA.

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

Moving from Monterey, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2564 per month, or $30764 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monterey, CA — COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area + state data

Current salary in Monterey, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,564

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.8K

Per year

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

Monterey, CA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:66

Median Home:$414K

Monterey, CA

The Golden State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 29K 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: Monterey, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Monterey, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,787/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,999less	58.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,098/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $391more	35.7%
📦Other	$1,423/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $254more	17.8%
⚡All Utilities	$410/mo	$561/mo	↑ $151more	36.8%
🏥Healthcare	$624/mo	$589/mo	↓ $35.24less	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$963/mo	↓ $34.02less	3.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.9%

Monterey, CA

$6,787

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,999

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 35.7%

Monterey, CA

$1,098

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$391

📦Other

↑ 17.8%

Monterey, CA

$1,423

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$254

⚡All Utilities

↑ 36.8%

Monterey, CA

$410

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$151

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.6%

Monterey, CA

$624

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$35.24

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.4%

Monterey, CA

$997

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$34.02

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,591

To$1,390

↓ $201

1 Bed

From$1,923

To$1,510

↓ $413

2 Bed

From$2,387

To$1,750

↓ $637

3 Bed

From$3,448

To$2,330

↓ $1,118

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.

$11,339

Monthly in Monterey, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,272

Difference

Home Values

Monterey

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

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

Monterey, 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

Monterey, 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.