Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Phoenix is 22% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $58,594 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Phoenix scores 99 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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