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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Ventura

California
183

Phoenix is 40% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,458/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 44%
$77,041/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 30%
$381,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 104%
$1,430/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 48%
1,624,832
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $23,366/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Ventura — common questions

Is Phoenix or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Ventura?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Ventura?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $23,366/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Ventura

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