Phoenix vs San Jose
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Phoenix, AZ and San Jose, CA.
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
San Jose, CA
COL Index
214
Monthly Budget
$10,700
State Tax
12.3%
Population
1.0M
Phoenix is 108% less expensive than San Jose
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Phoenix | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,724 | $4,472 | -$2,748 |
| Groceries | $666 | $1,243 | -$577 |
| Transport | $822 | $1,621 | -$799 |
| Healthcare | $408 | $719 | -$311 |
| Utilities | $309 | $642 | -$333 |
| Other | $1,229 | $2,294 | -$1,065 |
| Total | $5,150 | $10,700 | -$5,550 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Phoenix (AZ) | San Jose (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 Jose (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in San Jose | San Jose Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $103,883 | $50,000 | $24,065 |
| $75,000 | $155,825 | $75,000 | $36,098 |
| $100,000 | $207,767 | $100,000 | $48,131 |
| $150,000 | $311,650 | $150,000 | $72,196 |