Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than South San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 34.7% cheaper than South San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $2602 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in South San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $118,770.747 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 52.9% cheaper than in South San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,687/month in South San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from South San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2602 per month, or $31229 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South San Francisco, CA — COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area + state data

Current salary in South San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,602

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.2K

Per year

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

South San Francisco, CA

Population:63K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$575K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$414K

South San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

63K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 63K 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 San Francisco, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	South San Francisco, CA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,914/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,126less	52.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,067/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $578less	28.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,134/mo	$963/mo	↓ $171less	15.1%
⚡All Utilities	$439/mo	$561/mo	↑ $123more	28.0%
📦Other	$1,796/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $118less	6.6%
🏥Healthcare	$691/mo	$589/mo	↓ $103less	14.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.9%

South San Francisco, CA

$5,914

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,126

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.0%

South San Francisco, CA

$2,067

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$578

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.1%

South San Francisco, CA

$1,134

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$171

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.0%

South San Francisco, CA

$439

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$123

📦Other

↓ 6.6%

South San Francisco, CA

$1,796

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$118

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.9%

South San Francisco, CA

$691

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$103

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,791

To$1,390

↓ $401

1 Bed

From$2,117

To$1,510

↓ $607

2 Bed

From$2,687

To$1,750

↓ $937

3 Bed

From$3,908

To$2,330

↓ $1,578

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.

$12,041

Monthly in South San Francisco, CA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$3,973

Difference

Home Values

South San Francisco

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

South San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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.