Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Seaside, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 35.2% cheaper than Seaside, CA. This translates to saving $2641 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seaside, CA, you'd need approximately $118,303.222 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 59.6% cheaper than in Seaside, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,425/month in Seaside, CA.

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

Moving from Seaside, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2641 per month, or $31697 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Seaside, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Seaside, CA — COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area + state data

Current salary in Seaside, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.3K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 35.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,641

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.7K

Per year

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

Seaside, CA

Population:31K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$414K

Seaside, CA

The Golden State

31K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 31K 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: Seaside, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Seaside, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,896/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $4,107less	59.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,115/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $374more	33.5%
📦Other	$1,446/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $231more	16.0%
⚡All Utilities	$413/mo	$561/mo	↑ $148more	35.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,005/mo	$963/mo	↓ $41.96less	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$629/mo	$589/mo	↓ $40.21less	6.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.6%

Seaside, CA

$6,896

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$4,107

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 33.5%

Seaside, CA

$1,115

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$374

📦Other

↑ 16.0%

Seaside, CA

$1,446

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$231

⚡All Utilities

↑ 35.7%

Seaside, CA

$413

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$148

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Seaside, CA

$1,005

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$41.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.4%

Seaside, CA

$629

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$40.21

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,617

To$1,390

↓ $227

1 Bed

From$1,954

To$1,510

↓ $444

2 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,750

↓ $675

3 Bed

From$3,503

To$2,330

↓ $1,173

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.

$11,505

Monthly in Seaside, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,437

Difference

Home Values

Seaside

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

Seaside, 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

Seaside, 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.