Phoenix vs San Diego
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA.
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
San Diego, CA
COL Index
160
Monthly Budget
$8,000
State Tax
12.3%
Population
1.4M
Phoenix is 55% less expensive than San Diego
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Phoenix | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,724 | $3,135 | -$1,411 |
| Groceries | $666 | $962 | -$296 |
| Transport | $822 | $1,232 | -$410 |
| Healthcare | $408 | $568 | -$160 |
| Utilities | $309 | $480 | -$171 |
| Other | $1,229 | $1,776 | -$547 |
| Total | $5,150 | $8,000 | -$2,850 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Phoenix (AZ) | San Diego (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 San Diego (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in San Diego | San Diego Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $77,670 | $50,000 | $32,188 |
| $75,000 | $116,505 | $75,000 | $48,281 |
| $100,000 | $155,340 | $100,000 | $64,375 |
| $150,000 | $233,010 | $150,000 | $96,563 |