Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Salem, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 26.4% cheaper than Salem, MA. This translates to saving $1978 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Salem, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, MA, you'd need approximately $126,261.622 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, MA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 37.6% cheaper than in Salem, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,047/month in Salem, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Salem, MA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Salem, MA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $1978 per month, or $23738 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, MA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salem, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Salem, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.3K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,978

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.7K

Per year

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

Salem, MA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$590K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$414K

Salem, MA

The Bay State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 45K 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: Salem, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Salem, MA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,467/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,678less	37.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,722/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $233less	13.5%
⚡All Utilities	$694/mo	$561/mo	↓ $133less	19.2%
🏥Healthcare	$721/mo	$589/mo	↓ $133less	18.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$963/mo	↓ $83.45less	8.0%
📦Other	$1,717/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $39.20less	2.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.6%

Salem, MA

$4,467

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,678

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.5%

Salem, MA

$1,722

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$233

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.2%

Salem, MA

$694

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$133

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.4%

Salem, MA

$721

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$133

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.0%

Salem, MA

$1,047

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$83.45

less

📦Other

↓ 2.3%

Salem, MA

$1,717

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$39.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,631

To$1,390

↓ $241

1 Bed

From$1,727

To$1,510

↓ $217

2 Bed

From$2,047

To$1,750

↓ $297

3 Bed

From$2,463

To$2,330

↓ $133

Salem, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,160–$2,160/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.

$10,367

Monthly in Salem, MA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,299

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Phoenix

$590K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +30.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$590K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 30% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$189

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Salem, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Salem, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.