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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Phoenix is 40% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,458/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 57%
$77,041/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 42%
$381,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 82%
$1,430/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 63%
1,624,832
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $32,470/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Phoenix or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $32,470/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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