Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 67.9% more expensive than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $5094 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $211,133.721 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 177.9% more expensive than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Living in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $5094 more per month than Phoenix, AZ, or $61134 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Phoenix, AZ

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Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.1K/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $211.1K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↑ 67.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$5,094

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$61.1K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:168

Median Home:$885K

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Phoenix, AZ vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $4,961more	177.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $669more	45.0%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$1,040/mo	↑ $76.94more	8.0%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,731/mo	↑ $53.57more	3.2%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$554/mo	↓ $34.70less	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$557/mo	↓ $3.82less	0.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 177.9%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$4,961

🚗Transportation

↑ 45.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$669

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$76.94

📦Other

↑ 3.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$53.57

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$34.70

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.7%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$3.82

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,910

↑ $520

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$2,135

↑ $625

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$2,660

↑ $910

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$3,370

↑ $1,040

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$5,722

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Los Angeles

$414K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 114% more expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$449

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

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

Los Angeles, 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

Additional Tax Information

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.