Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Phoenix (2026)

Los Angeles vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 9% less expensive than Los Angeles overall — $100,000 in Los Angeles is worth about $90,974 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 9% less expensive than Los Angeles overall — $100,000 in Los Angeles is worth about $90,974 in Phoenix.

Los Angeles vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricLos AngelesPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)114103-9%
Median rent$1,879$1,458-22%
Median home value$879,500$381,900-57%
Median household income$80,366$77,041-4%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Los Angeles has the same buying power as about $90,974 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $109,921 in Los Angeles.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Los Angeles and Phoenix.

Compare any salary: Los Angeles vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 114 vs 103 — a 9% difference. Your money goes further in Phoenix.

About $90,974 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles.