Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Scranton, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 9.0% more expensive than Scranton, PA. This translates to spending an extra $675 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Scranton, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Scranton, PA, you'd need approximately $158,103.487 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Scranton, PA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 56.3% more expensive than in Scranton, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $954/month in Scranton, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Scranton, PA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $675 more per month than Scranton, PA, or $8103 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Scranton, PA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Scranton, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Scranton, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $675/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$675

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.1K

Per year

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

Scranton, PA

Population:76K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$192K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$414K

Scranton, PA

The Keystone State

76K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 76K 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: Scranton, PA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Scranton, PA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,784/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $1,005more	56.3%
📦Other	$1,776/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $98.29less	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,401/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $87.90more	6.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$963/mo	↓ $65.86less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$589/mo	↓ $55.31less	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$558/mo	$561/mo	↑ $3.53more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 56.3%

Scranton, PA

$1,784

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,005

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Scranton, PA

$1,776

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$98.29

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.3%

Scranton, PA

$1,401

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$87.90

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Scranton, PA

$1,029

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$65.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.6%

Scranton, PA

$644

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$55.31

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.6%

Scranton, PA

$558

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$3.53

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Scranton, PA: Scranton Earned Income Tax$5,100/yr (3.4%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$659

To$1,390

↑ $731

1 Bed

From$782

To$1,510

↑ $728

2 Bed

From$954

To$1,750

↑ $796

3 Bed

From$1,241

To$2,330

↑ $1,089

Scranton, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,090/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.

$7,191

Monthly in Scranton, PA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$877

Difference

Home Values

Scranton

Phoenix

$192K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +5.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +59.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$165K - $208K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 115% more expensive than Scranton

Calculate payment - Scranton Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $628

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$52.32

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Scranton, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Scranton, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.