Los Angeles, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 118.2
- Housing RPP
- 152.6
- Goods RPP
- 104.8
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,250/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.4
- Housing RPP
- 112.8
- Goods RPP
- 100.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,480/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA by about 12.5% (RPP 118.2 to 103.4).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $52,487
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $87,479
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $131,218
in Phoenix, AZ
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.4) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 118.2) by about 12.5%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $87,479 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.4 / 118.2).