Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Sacramento, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 11.8% cheaper than Sacramento, CA. This translates to saving $885 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sacramento, CA, you'd need approximately $139,384.615 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 23.9% cheaper than in Sacramento, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,180/month in Sacramento, CA.

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

Moving from Sacramento, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $885 per month, or $10615 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sacramento, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Sacramento, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $885/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.4K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$885

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.6K

Per year

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

Sacramento, CA

Population:525K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$460K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$414K

Sacramento, CA

The Golden State

525K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 525K 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: Sacramento, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Sacramento, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,664/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $876less	23.9%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $131less	7.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,059/mo	$963/mo	↓ $95.93less	9.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $68.30more	4.8%
⚡All Utilities	$530/mo	$561/mo	↑ $31.15more	5.9%
🏥Healthcare	$620/mo	$589/mo	↓ $30.98less	5.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 23.9%

Sacramento, CA

$3,664

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$876

less

📦Other

↓ 7.2%

Sacramento, CA

$1,808

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$131

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.1%

Sacramento, CA

$1,059

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$95.93

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.8%

Sacramento, CA

$1,421

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$68.30

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.9%

Sacramento, CA

$530

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$31.15

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.0%

Sacramento, CA

$620

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$30.98

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,690

To$1,390

↓ $300

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,510

↓ $260

2 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,750

↓ $430

3 Bed

From$2,900

To$2,330

↓ $570

Sacramento, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,310/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.

$9,102

Monthly in Sacramento, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,034

Difference

Home Values

Sacramento

Phoenix

$460K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +18.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$352K - $969K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 10% less expensive than Sacramento

Calculate payment - Sacramento 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

Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, 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.