Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Provo, UT (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Phoenix is 7% more expensive than Provo.

$1,458/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 21%
$77,041/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 18%
$381,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 14%
$1,430/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 15%
1,624,832
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $14,241/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Provo — common questions

Is Phoenix or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Provo?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Provo?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $14,241/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Provo details →

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