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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

San Francisco

California
267

Phoenix is 59% cheaper than San Francisco.

$1,458/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,419/mo ↑ 66%
$77,041/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$141,446/yr ↑ 84%
$381,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,380,500 ↑ 261%
$1,430/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,620/mo ↑ 83%
1,624,832
Population
836,321

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
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and San Francisco, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 267 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $961/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $11,532/year.

Median household income is $64,405/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,380,500 in San Francisco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs San Francisco — common questions

Is Phoenix or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and San Francisco?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in San Francisco it's $2,419/month — a difference of $961/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or San Francisco?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $141,446 in San Francisco. Median household income is $64,405/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with rent of $2,419/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View San Francisco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and San Francisco

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City