Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Santa Clarita, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 35.5% cheaper than Santa Clarita, CA. This translates to saving $2662 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Santa Clarita, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Clarita, CA, you'd need approximately $118,055.673 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Santa Clarita, CA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 56.7% cheaper than in Santa Clarita, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Clarita, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2662 per month, or $31944 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Clarita, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Clarita, CA — COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area + state data

Current salary in Santa Clarita, 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,662

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.9K

Per year

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$414K

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K 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: Santa Clarita, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Santa Clarita, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,439/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,650less	56.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,992/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $504less	25.3%
📦Other	$1,598/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $79.43more	5.0%
🏥Healthcare	$532/mo	$589/mo	↑ $56.40more	10.6%
🛒Groceries	$999/mo	$963/mo	↓ $36.18less	3.6%
⚡All Utilities	$536/mo	$561/mo	↑ $25.66more	4.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.7%

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,650

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.3%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$504

less

📦Other

↑ 5.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$79.43

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.6%

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$56.40

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$36.18

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.8%

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$25.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,452

To$1,390

↓ $62.00

1 Bed

From$1,648

To$1,510

↓ $138

2 Bed

From$2,197

To$1,750

↓ $447

3 Bed

From$3,296

To$2,330

↓ $966

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.

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$4,028

Difference

Home Values

Santa Clarita

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

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

Santa Clarita, 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

Santa Clarita, 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.