Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Santa Monica, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 35.1% cheaper than Santa Monica, CA. This translates to saving $2636 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Monica, CA, you'd need approximately $118,372.918 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 56.5% cheaper than in Santa Monica, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,653/month in Santa Monica, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Monica, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2636 per month, or $31627 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Santa Monica, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Santa Monica, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.4K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,636

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.6K

Per year

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

Santa Monica, CA

Population:90K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.46M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$414K

Santa Monica, CA

The Golden State

90K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 90K 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 Monica, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Santa Monica, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,404/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,615less	56.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,982/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $493less	24.9%
📦Other	$1,589/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $88.11more	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$531/mo	$589/mo	↑ $57.85more	10.9%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$963/mo	↓ $33.46less	3.4%
⚡All Utilities	$534/mo	$561/mo	↑ $27.12more	5.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.5%

Santa Monica, CA

$6,404

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,615

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.9%

Santa Monica, CA

$1,982

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$493

less

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

Santa Monica, CA

$1,589

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$88.11

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.9%

Santa Monica, CA

$531

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$57.85

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.4%

Santa Monica, CA

$997

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$33.46

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.1%

Santa Monica, CA

$534

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$27.12

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,904

To$1,390

↓ $514

1 Bed

From$2,131

To$1,510

↓ $621

2 Bed

From$2,653

To$1,750

↓ $903

3 Bed

From$3,364

To$2,330

↓ $1,034

Santa Monica, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,390–$2,980/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.

$12,036

Monthly in Santa Monica, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,968

Difference

Home Values

Santa Monica

Phoenix

$1.46M

Median Value

$414K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +3.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$1.05M - $4.51M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 72% less expensive than Santa Monica

Calculate payment - Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Monica, 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.