Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Roanoke, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 10.0% more expensive than Roanoke, VA. This translates to spending an extra $753 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Roanoke, VA, you'd need approximately $159,032.119 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 24.2% more expensive than in Roanoke, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,296/month in Roanoke, VA.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $753 more per month than Roanoke, VA, or $9032 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Roanoke, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Winston-Salem, NC area

Current salary in Roanoke, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $753/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$753

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.0K

Per year

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

Roanoke, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$202K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$414K

Roanoke, 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: Roanoke, VA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Roanoke, VA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,246/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $543more	24.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,267/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $222more	17.5%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$589/mo	↓ $28.34less	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$561/mo	↑ $28.29more	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$963/mo	↓ $21.47less	2.2%
📦Other	$1,658/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $19.14more	1.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.2%

Roanoke, VA

$2,246

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$543

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.5%

Roanoke, VA

$1,267

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$222

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.6%

Roanoke, VA

$617

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$28.34

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Roanoke, VA

$533

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$28.29

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.2%

Roanoke, VA

$985

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$21.47

less

📦Other

↑ 1.2%

Roanoke, VA

$1,658

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$19.14

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,033

To$1,390

↑ $357

1 Bed

From$1,085

To$1,510

↑ $425

2 Bed

From$1,296

To$1,750

↑ $454

3 Bed

From$1,802

To$2,330

↑ $528

Roanoke, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$1,090/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.

$7,305

Monthly in Roanoke, VA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$763

Difference

Home Values

Roanoke

Phoenix

$202K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$142K - $295K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 105% more expensive than Roanoke

Calculate payment - Roanoke 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

Roanoke, 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

Roanoke, 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.