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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Phoenix is 19% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,458/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 2%
$77,041/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 11%
$381,900 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 61%
$1,430/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 2%
1,624,832
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,663/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Phoenix or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $8,663/year higher in Phoenix.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and East Los Angeles

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