Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Sun City, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 6.4% more expensive than Sun City, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $480 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Sun City, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Sun City, AZ, you'd need approximately $155,760.709 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sun City, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 24.1% more expensive than in Sun City, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,143/month in Sun City, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sun City, AZ to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $480 more per month than Sun City, AZ, or $5761 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sun City, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sun City, AZ — COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area + state data

Current salary in Sun City, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $480/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$480

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Sun City, AZ

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$398K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$414K

Sun City, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 40K 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: Sun City, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Sun City, AZ	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,246/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $542more	24.1%
📦Other	$1,608/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $69.78more	4.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,430/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $59.09more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$561/mo	↑ $25.71more	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$940/mo	$963/mo	↑ $23.22more	2.5%
🏥Healthcare	$577/mo	$589/mo	↑ $11.80more	2.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.1%

Sun City, AZ

$2,246

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$542

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Sun City, AZ

$1,608

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$69.78

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.1%

Sun City, AZ

$1,430

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$59.09

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.8%

Sun City, AZ

$535

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$25.71

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.5%

Sun City, AZ

$940

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$23.22

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.0%

Sun City, AZ

$577

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$11.80

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$775

To$1,390

↑ $615

1 Bed

From$898

To$1,510

↑ $612

2 Bed

From$1,143

To$1,750

↑ $607

3 Bed

From$1,633

To$2,330

↑ $697

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.

$7,336

Monthly in Sun City, AZ

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$732

Difference

Home Values

Sun City

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

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Sun City, 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

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

Sun City, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.