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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ University City, MO โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 24.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,839
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$22.1K
Per year

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

University City, MO

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$268K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:125
Median Home:$414K

University City, MO

The Show-Me State

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขFastest growing major city
  • โ€ขDesert metropolis
  • โ€ขSpring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: University City, MO vs Phoenix, AZ

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 73.8%
University City, MO
$1,604
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$1,184
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 28.6%
University City, MO
$1,158
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$331
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 9.6%
University City, MO
$1,531
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$146
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 14.5%
University City, MO
$514
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$74.57
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 7.4%
University City, MO
$523
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$38.51
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 4.0%
University City, MO
$927
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$36.73
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$866
To$1,390
โ†‘ $524
1 Bed
From$899
To$1,510
โ†‘ $611
2 Bed
From$1,101
To$1,750
โ†‘ $649
3 Bed
From$1,417
To$2,330
โ†‘ $913
University City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110โ€“$1,110/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300โ€“$2,380/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,257
Monthly in University City, MO
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,811
Difference

Home Values

University City
Phoenix
$268K
Median Value
$414K
โ†‘ +1.7%
YoY Change
โ†“ -3.1%
โ†‘ +22.9%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +30.2%
$268K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 55% more expensive than University City

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $2.7K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$225
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.8%
Rate difference

University City, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

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

University City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

University City
Phoenix
54 Moderate
Air Quality
77 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
9%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐Ÿซจ
Top Hazards
๐Ÿ”ฅ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
39 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
162 days
โ–ฒ+3.0ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
39 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
162 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Missouri and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

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