Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Phoenix is 10% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $67,568 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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