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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fremont

California
278

Phoenix is 61% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,458/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 99%
$77,041/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 129%
$381,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 238%
$1,430/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 110%
1,624,832
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,447/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $17,364/year.

Median household income is $99,309/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fremont — common questions

Is Phoenix or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fremont?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,447/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fremont?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $99,309/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Fremont details →

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