Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than San Diego, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 28.3% cheaper than San Diego, CA. This translates to saving $2125 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $124,500 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 46.6% cheaper than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Moving from San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2125 per month, or $25500 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Diego, CA

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.5K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,125

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.5K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$980K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$414K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

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 Diego, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	San Diego, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,223/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $2,435less	46.6%
📦Other	$1,892/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $214less	11.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$963/mo	↓ $116less	10.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $81.96less	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$634/mo	$561/mo	↓ $72.67less	11.5%
🏥Healthcare	$638/mo	$589/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 46.6%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$2,435

less

📦Other

↓ 11.3%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$214

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$116

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.2%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$81.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.5%

San Diego, CA

$634

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$72.67

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

San Diego, CA

$638

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$49.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$1,390

↓ $1,175

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$1,510

↓ $1,245

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$1,750

↓ $1,610

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$2,330

↓ $2,145

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$2,969

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Phoenix

$980K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 58% less expensive than San Diego

Calculate payment - San Diego 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 Diego, 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 Diego, 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.