Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Sun City West, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 7.5% more expensive than Sun City West, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $560 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Sun City West, AZ, you'd need approximately $156,715.408 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 25.4% more expensive than in Sun City West, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,131/month in Sun City West, AZ.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $560 more per month than Sun City West, AZ, or $6715 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Sun City West, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $560/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.7K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$560

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.7K

Per year

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

Sun City West, AZ

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$398K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$414K

Sun City West, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, 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: Sun City West, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Sun City West, AZ	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,224/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $565more	25.4%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $85.65more	5.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,416/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $73.20more	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$561/mo	↑ $28.35more	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$935/mo	$963/mo	↑ $27.88more	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$589/mo	↑ $14.65more	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 25.4%

Sun City West, AZ

$2,224

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$565

📦Other

↑ 5.4%

Sun City West, AZ

$1,592

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$85.65

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.2%

Sun City West, AZ

$1,416

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$73.20

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.3%

Sun City West, AZ

$533

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$28.35

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.0%

Sun City West, AZ

$935

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$27.88

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.6%

Sun City West, AZ

$574

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$14.65

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$768

To$1,390

↑ $622

1 Bed

From$889

To$1,510

↑ $621

2 Bed

From$1,131

To$1,750

↑ $619

3 Bed

From$1,616

To$2,330

↑ $714

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.

$7,273

Monthly in Sun City West, AZ

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$794

Difference

Home Values

Sun City West

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 West, 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 West, 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.