Los Angeles vs Phoenix
Cost of Living (2026)

Phoenix is 39% more affordable than Los Angeles.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Los Angeles, CA

COL index163
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo
Median home price$850K
VS

Phoenix, AZ

COL index100 ✓
State income tax2.5% ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,450/mo ✓
Median home price$395K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLos Angeles indexPhoenix indexDifference
Housing215130 ✓-85%
Groceries15395 ✓-58%
Transportation15196 ✓-55%
Healthcare15797 ✓-60%
Utilities14596 ✓-49%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Los Angeles → Phoenix

What salary in Phoenix gives you the same purchasing power as your Los Angeles salary?

Salary in Los AngelesEquivalent in PhoenixDifference
$60,000$33,000$-27,000
$80,000$44,000$-36,000
$100,000$55,000$-45,000
$130,000$72,000$-58,000
$150,000$83,000$-67,000
$200,000$110,000$-90,000

Los Angeles vs Phoenix: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 100 versus 163 for Los Angeles — a difference of approximately 39%.

State income tax impact

Los Angeles workers pay 9.3% California state income tax, while Phoenix workers pay 2.5%.

Housing costs

The median home price in Los Angeles is $850,000, compared to $395,000 in Phoenix. Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,600/month in Los Angeles versus $1,450/month in Phoenix.

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