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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Phoenix is 17% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,458/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 16%
$77,041/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 9%
$381,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 27%
$1,430/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 23%
1,624,832
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $6,712/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Phoenix or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Sacramento?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Sacramento?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $6,712/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

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