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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Phoenix is 38% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,458/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 60%
$77,041/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 42%
$381,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 59%
$1,430/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 66%
1,624,832
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $32,739/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Phoenix or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Murrieta?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Murrieta?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $32,739/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Murrieta details →

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