Phoenix vs Los Angeles
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA.
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
Los Angeles, CA
COL Index
166
Monthly Budget
$8,300
State Tax
12.3%
Population
4.0M
Phoenix is 61% less expensive than Los Angeles
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Phoenix | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,724 | $3,283 | -$1,559 |
| Groceries | $666 | $993 | -$327 |
| Transport | $822 | $1,275 | -$453 |
| Healthcare | $408 | $585 | -$177 |
| Utilities | $309 | $498 | -$189 |
| Other | $1,229 | $1,834 | -$605 |
| Total | $5,150 | $8,300 | -$3,150 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Phoenix (AZ) | Los Angeles (CA) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $2,500 | $5,953 | -$3,453 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $23,320 | $26,773 | -$3,453 |
| Take-Home Pay | $76,680 | $73,227 | +$3,453 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Phoenix salary is worth in Los Angeles (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in Los Angeles | Los Angeles Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $80,583 | $50,000 | $31,024 |
| $75,000 | $120,874 | $75,000 | $46,536 |
| $100,000 | $161,165 | $100,000 | $62,048 |
| $150,000 | $241,748 | $150,000 | $93,072 |