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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Phoenix is 40% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,458/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 43%
$77,041/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 18%
$381,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 102%
$1,430/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 51%
1,624,832
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $13,542/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Phoenix or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Anaheim?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Anaheim?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $13,542/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Anaheim

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