Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Redwood City, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 38.6% cheaper than Redwood City, CA. This translates to saving $2895 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Redwood City, CA, you'd need approximately $115,254.879 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 58.5% cheaper than in Redwood City, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,157/month in Redwood City, CA.

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

Moving from Redwood City, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2895 per month, or $34745 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Redwood City, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Redwood City, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Redwood City, CA

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 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,895

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.7K

Per year

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

Redwood City, CA

Population:81K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.78M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$414K

Redwood City, CA

The Golden State

81K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 81K 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: Redwood City, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Redwood City, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,720/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,932less	58.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,116/mo	$963/mo	↓ $153less	13.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,375/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $114more	8.3%
🏥Healthcare	$698/mo	$589/mo	↓ $110less	15.7%
📦Other	$1,783/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $106less	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$459/mo	$561/mo	↑ $102more	22.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.5%

Redwood City, CA

$6,720

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,932

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.7%

Redwood City, CA

$1,116

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$153

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.3%

Redwood City, CA

$1,375

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$114

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.7%

Redwood City, CA

$698

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$110

less

📦Other

↓ 5.9%

Redwood City, CA

$1,783

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$106

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.2%

Redwood City, CA

$459

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$102

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,176

To$1,390

↓ $786

1 Bed

From$2,608

To$1,510

↓ $1,098

2 Bed

From$3,157

To$1,750

↓ $1,407

3 Bed

From$4,029

To$2,330

↓ $1,699

Redwood City, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,060–$3,620/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.

$12,152

Monthly in Redwood City, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$4,084

Difference

Home Values

Redwood City

Phoenix

$1.78M

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +14.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$1.25M - $1.86M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 77% less expensive than Redwood City

Calculate payment - Redwood City 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

Redwood City, 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

Redwood City, 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.