Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than South Pasadena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 33.2% cheaper than South Pasadena, CA. This translates to saving $2487 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in South Pasadena, CA, you'd need approximately $120,159.176 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 55.1% cheaper than in South Pasadena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,332/month in South Pasadena, CA.

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

Moving from South Pasadena, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2487 per month, or $29841 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Pasadena, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in South Pasadena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.5K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 33.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,487

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.8K

Per year

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

South Pasadena, CA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.62M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:67

Median Home:$414K

South Pasadena, CA

The Golden State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 26K 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: South Pasadena, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	South Pasadena, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,213/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,425less	55.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,923/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $434less	22.6%
📦Other	$1,542/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $135more	8.8%
🏥Healthcare	$523/mo	$589/mo	↑ $65.79more	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$561/mo	↑ $35.11more	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$982/mo	$963/mo	↓ $18.55less	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 55.1%

South Pasadena, CA

$6,213

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,425

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.6%

South Pasadena, CA

$1,923

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$434

less

📦Other

↑ 8.8%

South Pasadena, CA

$1,542

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$135

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.6%

South Pasadena, CA

$523

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$65.79

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.7%

South Pasadena, CA

$526

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$35.11

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.9%

South Pasadena, CA

$982

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$18.55

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,674

To$1,390

↓ $284

1 Bed

From$1,870

To$1,510

↓ $360

2 Bed

From$2,332

To$1,750

↓ $582

3 Bed

From$2,953

To$2,330

↓ $623

South Pasadena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,470–$2,470/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.

$11,709

Monthly in South Pasadena, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,641

Difference

Home Values

South Pasadena

Phoenix

$1.62M

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +36.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$1.62M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 74% less expensive than South Pasadena

Calculate payment - South Pasadena 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

South Pasadena, 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

South Pasadena, 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.