San Francisco, CA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). No city income tax.
Phoenix, AZ
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 San Francisco, CA by about 12.0% (RPP 117.9 to 103.7).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $52,774
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $87,956
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $131,934
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 San Francisco, CA?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 12.0%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $87,956 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 117.9).