Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 38.6% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $2893 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $115,285.714 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 63.5% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from New York, NY to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2893 per month, or $34714 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.3K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,893

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.7K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$414K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	New York, NY	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $4,860less	63.5%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $357less	17.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$963/mo	↓ $202less	17.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $113less	7.1%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$589/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.4%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$561/mo	↓ $38.80less	6.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.5%

New York, NY

$7,648

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$4,860

less

📦Other

↓ 17.5%

New York, NY

$2,034

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$357

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.3%

New York, NY

$1,165

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$202

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.1%

New York, NY

$1,602

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$113

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

New York, NY

$688

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

New York, NY

$600

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$38.80

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$1,390

↓ $1,730

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,510

↓ $1,760

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,750

↓ $1,840

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$2,330

↓ $2,170

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$5,669

Difference

Home Values

New York

Phoenix

$1.05M

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 61% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$359

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.