Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 47.6% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3571 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $107,147.208 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 71.5% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $3571 per month, or $42853 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,571

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:52

Median Home:$414K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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 Francisco, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	San Francisco, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $6,983less	71.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $669less	31.0%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $198less	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$963/mo	↓ $196less	16.9%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$589/mo	↓ $118less	16.7%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$561/mo	↑ $113more	25.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 71.5%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$6,983

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.0%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$669

less

📦Other

↓ 10.5%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$198

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.9%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$196

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$118

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 25.2%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$113

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,390

↓ $1,070

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,510

↓ $1,440

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,750

↓ $1,820

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,330

↓ $2,230

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$8,050

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Phoenix

$1.25M

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 67% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.