Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Phoenix, AZ (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Phoenix

Arizona
109

Los Angeles is 78% more expensive than Phoenix.

$1,879/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,458/mo ↓ 22%
$80,366/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$77,041/yr ↓ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$381,900 ↓ 57%
$2,055/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,430/mo ↓ 30%
3,857,897
Population
1,624,832

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $3,325/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $381,900 in Phoenix.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Phoenix — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Phoenix?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Phoenix it's $1,458/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Phoenix?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $77,041 in Phoenix. Median household income is $3,325/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Phoenix?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,458/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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