Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Clara, CA: 109 vs 307

$1,458/mo ↓ 51%

Median Rent

$2,985/mo ↑ 105%

$77,041/yr ↓ 56%

Median Income

$173,670/yr ↑ 125%

$381,900 ↓ 75%

Home Value

$1,527,900 ↑ 300%

$1,430/mo ↓ 53%

Owner Costs

$3,051/mo ↑ 113%

1,624,832

Population

129,239

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,527/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $18,324/year.

Median household income is $96,629/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Phoenix or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 307 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Santa Clara?

Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,527/month.

Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Santa Clara?

Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $96,629/year higher in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara?

It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Phoenix

Santa Clara

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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