Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Miami, FL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Phoenix is 16% cheaper than Miami.

$1,458/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ↑ 14%
$77,041/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↓ 23%
$381,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$475,200 ↑ 24%
$1,430/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↑ 17%
1,624,832
Population
446,663

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $17,651/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Miami — common questions

Is Phoenix or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Miami?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Miami?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $17,651/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Miami details →

More Comparisons

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