Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Portsmouth, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 5.3% more expensive than Portsmouth, VA. This translates to spending an extra $394 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Portsmouth, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Portsmouth, VA, you'd need approximately $154,730.765 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portsmouth, VA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 24.1% more expensive than in Portsmouth, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,342/month in Portsmouth, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portsmouth, VA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $394 more per month than Portsmouth, VA, or $4731 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portsmouth, VA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portsmouth, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Norfolk, VA area

Current salary in Portsmouth, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $394/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.7K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$394

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.7K

Per year

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

Portsmouth, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$243K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$414K

Portsmouth, VA

The Old Dominion State

97K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 97K 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: Portsmouth, VA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Portsmouth, VA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,247/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $541more	24.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,259/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $230more	18.3%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$589/mo	↓ $37.17less	5.9%
🛒Groceries	$950/mo	$963/mo	↑ $13.41more	1.4%
⚡All Utilities	$568/mo	$561/mo	↓ $6.94less	1.2%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $3.23more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.1%

Portsmouth, VA

$2,247

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$541

🚗Transportation

↑ 18.3%

Portsmouth, VA

$1,259

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$230

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.9%

Portsmouth, VA

$626

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$37.17

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.4%

Portsmouth, VA

$950

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$13.41

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.2%

Portsmouth, VA

$568

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$6.94

less

📦Other

↑ 0.2%

Portsmouth, VA

$1,674

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$3.23

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,171

To$1,390

↑ $219

1 Bed

From$1,183

To$1,510

↑ $327

2 Bed

From$1,342

To$1,750

↑ $408

3 Bed

From$1,858

To$2,330

↑ $472

Portsmouth, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,490/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.

$7,324

Monthly in Portsmouth, VA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$744

Difference

Home Values

Portsmouth

Phoenix

$243K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$220K - $308K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 71% more expensive than Portsmouth

Calculate payment - Portsmouth Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Portsmouth, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Portsmouth, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.