Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than San Carlos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 37.2% cheaper than San Carlos, CA. This translates to saving $2787 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Carlos, CA, you'd need approximately $116,551.467 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 57.5% cheaper than in San Carlos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,206/month in San Carlos, CA.

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

Moving from San Carlos, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2787 per month, or $33449 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Carlos, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 San Carlos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in San Carlos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,787

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.4K

Per year

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

San Carlos, CA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.30M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$414K

San Carlos, CA

The Golden State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 29K 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: San Carlos, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	San Carlos, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,566/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,778less	57.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,343/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $145more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,103/mo	$963/mo	↓ $140less	12.7%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$561/mo	↑ $107more	23.6%
🏥Healthcare	$690/mo	$589/mo	↓ $102less	14.7%
📦Other	$1,742/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $64.99less	3.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 57.5%

San Carlos, CA

$6,566

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,778

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.8%

San Carlos, CA

$1,343

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$145

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.7%

San Carlos, CA

$1,103

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$140

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.6%

San Carlos, CA

$454

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$107

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.7%

San Carlos, CA

$690

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$102

less

📦Other

↓ 3.7%

San Carlos, CA

$1,742

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$64.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,208

To$1,390

↓ $818

1 Bed

From$2,646

To$1,510

↓ $1,136

2 Bed

From$3,206

To$1,750

↓ $1,456

3 Bed

From$4,099

To$2,330

↓ $1,769

San Carlos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,260–$3,260/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.

$11,899

Monthly in San Carlos, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,831

Difference

Home Values

San Carlos

Phoenix

$2.30M

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +25%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$2.30M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 82% less expensive than San Carlos

Calculate payment - San Carlos 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

San Carlos, 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

San Carlos, 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.