Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than San Rafael, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 34.6% cheaper than San Rafael, CA. This translates to saving $2596 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Rafael, CA, you'd need approximately $118,848.376 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 52.8% cheaper than in San Rafael, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,537/month in San Rafael, CA.

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

Moving from San Rafael, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2596 per month, or $31152 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in San Rafael, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,596

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.2K

Per year

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

San Rafael, CA

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.34M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$414K

San Rafael, CA

The Golden State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 60K 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 Rafael, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	San Rafael, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,906/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,118less	52.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,064/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $576less	27.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,134/mo	$963/mo	↓ $170less	15.0%
⚡All Utilities	$438/mo	$561/mo	↑ $123more	28.1%
📦Other	$1,793/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $116less	6.5%
🏥Healthcare	$691/mo	$589/mo	↓ $102less	14.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.8%

San Rafael, CA

$5,906

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,118

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.9%

San Rafael, CA

$2,064

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$576

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.0%

San Rafael, CA

$1,134

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$170

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.1%

San Rafael, CA

$438

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$123

📦Other

↓ 6.5%

San Rafael, CA

$1,793

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$116

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.8%

San Rafael, CA

$691

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$102

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,748

To$1,390

↓ $358

1 Bed

From$2,098

To$1,510

↓ $588

2 Bed

From$2,537

To$1,750

↓ $787

3 Bed

From$3,244

To$2,330

↓ $914

San Rafael, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,580–$2,580/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.

$12,027

Monthly in San Rafael, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,959

Difference

Home Values

San Rafael

Phoenix

$1.34M

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +13.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$1.34M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 69% less expensive than San Rafael

Calculate payment - San Rafael 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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.