Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?

Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 8.3%.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?

You would need approximately $91,689 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 113.1).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Los Angeles, CA or Phoenix, AZ?

For 2021-2022, Los Angeles, CA had a net loss of 147,289 people, while Phoenix, AZ had a net gain of 20,892 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

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.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Los Angeles, CA

Overall RPP (US=100): 113.1
Housing RPP: 177
Goods RPP: 106.3
2-BR median rent: $2,544/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.

Phoenix, AZ

Overall RPP (US=100): 103.7
Housing RPP: 122.9
Goods RPP: 98.3
2-BR median rent: $1,877/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 8.3% (RPP 113.1 to 103.7).

$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $55,013

in Phoenix, AZ

$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $91,689

in Phoenix, AZ

$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $137,533

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.

Migration signal: Los Angeles, CA vs Phoenix, AZ

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Los Angeles, CA

Net people: −147,289
Net rank: #64 of 65
Top origin share: 9%
Top destination share: 11%

Largest source: San Bernardino County, CA. Largest destination: San Bernardino County, CA.

Phoenix, AZ

Net people: +20,892
Net rank: #8 of 65
Top origin share: 4%
Top destination share: 3%

Largest source: Los Angeles County, CA. Largest destination: Pima County, AZ.

Rent delta: Phoenix, AZ is $667/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Los Angeles, CA. Housing RPP moves from 177 to 122.9.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?: Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 8.3%.
What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?: You would need approximately $91,689 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 113.1).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Los Angeles, CA or Phoenix, AZ?: For 2021-2022, Los Angeles, CA had a net loss of 147,289 people, while Phoenix, AZ had a net gain of 20,892 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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