Phoenix vs San Francisco
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Phoenix, AZ and San Francisco, CA.
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
San Francisco, CA
COL Index
179
Monthly Budget
$8,950
State Tax
12.3%
Population
0.9M
Phoenix is 74% less expensive than San Francisco
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Phoenix | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,724 | $3,605 | -$1,881 |
| Groceries | $666 | $1,061 | -$395 |
| Transport | $822 | $1,369 | -$547 |
| Healthcare | $408 | $621 | -$213 |
| Utilities | $309 | $537 | -$228 |
| Other | $1,229 | $1,958 | -$729 |
| Total | $5,150 | $8,950 | -$3,800 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Phoenix (AZ) | San Francisco (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 Francisco (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in San Francisco | San Francisco Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $86,893 | $50,000 | $28,771 |
| $75,000 | $130,340 | $75,000 | $43,156 |
| $100,000 | $173,786 | $100,000 | $57,542 |
| $150,000 | $260,680 | $150,000 | $86,313 |