Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than San Mateo, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 35.4% cheaper than San Mateo, CA. This translates to saving $2654 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Mateo, CA, you'd need approximately $118,146.854 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 53.4% cheaper than in San Mateo, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $3,686/month in San Mateo, CA.

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

Moving from San Mateo, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2654 per month, or $31853 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 San Mateo, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in San Mateo, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.1K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 35.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,654

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.9K

Per year

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

San Mateo, CA

Population:101K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$2.02M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$414K

San Mateo, CA

The Golden State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 101K 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 Mateo, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	San Mateo, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,977/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,189less	53.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,089/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $600less	28.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,140/mo	$963/mo	↓ $177less	15.5%
📦Other	$1,815/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $138less	7.6%
⚡All Utilities	$441/mo	$561/mo	↑ $120more	27.3%
🏥Healthcare	$695/mo	$589/mo	↓ $106less	15.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 53.4%

San Mateo, CA

$5,977

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,189

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.7%

San Mateo, CA

$2,089

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$600

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.5%

San Mateo, CA

$1,140

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$177

less

📦Other

↓ 7.6%

San Mateo, CA

$1,815

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$138

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 27.3%

San Mateo, CA

$441

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$120

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

San Mateo, CA

$695

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$106

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,543

To$1,390

↓ $1,153

1 Bed

From$3,045

To$1,510

↓ $1,535

2 Bed

From$3,686

To$1,750

↓ $1,936

3 Bed

From$4,707

To$2,330

↓ $2,377

San Mateo, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,670–$3,730/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.

$12,158

Monthly in San Mateo, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$4,090

Difference

Home Values

San Mateo

Phoenix

$2.02M

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +21%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$1.73M - $2.32M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 80% less expensive than San Mateo

Calculate payment - San Mateo 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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.