Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Rockville, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 28.5% cheaper than Rockville, MD. This translates to saving $2137 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Rockville, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Rockville, MD, you'd need approximately $124,357.122 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockville, MD and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 47.5% cheaper than in Rockville, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,022/month in Rockville, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rockville, MD to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Rockville, MD to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2137 per month, or $25643 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockville, MD vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rockville, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in Rockville, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.4K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,137

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.6K

Per year

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

Rockville, MD

Population:67K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$572K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$414K

Rockville, MD

The Old Line State

67K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 67K 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: Rockville, MD vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Rockville, MD	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,307/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $2,519less	47.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,790/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $301less	16.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,052/mo	$963/mo	↓ $88.30less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$561/mo	↑ $66.01more	13.3%
📦Other	$1,732/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $55.12less	3.2%
🏥Healthcare	$616/mo	$589/mo	↓ $27.20less	4.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.5%

Rockville, MD

$5,307

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$2,519

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.8%

Rockville, MD

$1,790

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$301

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.4%

Rockville, MD

$1,052

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$88.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.3%

Rockville, MD

$495

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$66.01

📦Other

↓ 3.2%

Rockville, MD

$1,732

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$55.12

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.4%

Rockville, MD

$616

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$27.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Rockville, MD: Montgomery County Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,755

To$1,390

↓ $365

1 Bed

From$1,816

To$1,510

↓ $306

2 Bed

From$2,022

To$1,750

↓ $272

3 Bed

From$2,554

To$2,330

↓ $224

Rockville, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,970–$2,550/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.

$10,992

Monthly in Rockville, MD

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,924

Difference

Home Values

Rockville

Phoenix

$572K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +18.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$522K - $678K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 28% less expensive than Rockville

Calculate payment - Rockville Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$169

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Rockville, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Rockville, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.