Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 39.5% more expensive than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $2965 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $185,581.395 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Diego, CA is 87.3% more expensive than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2965 more per month than Phoenix, AZ, or $35581 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Phoenix, AZ

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.6K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 39.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,965

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.6K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:140

Median Home:$980K

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Phoenix, AZ vs San Diego, CA

Category	Phoenix, AZ	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,435more	87.3%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $214more	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $116more	12.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $81.96more	5.5%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$634/mo	↑ $72.67more	13.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$638/mo	↑ $49.57more	8.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 87.3%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,435

📦Other

↑ 12.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$214

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$116

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$72.67

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$49.57

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$2,565

↑ $1,175

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$2,755

↑ $1,245

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$3,360

↑ $1,610

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$4,475

↑ $2,145

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,969

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

San Diego

$414K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 137% more expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.