A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ.
CA
Population: 3,820,914
AZ
Population: 1,650,070
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Phoenix, AZ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 170 | 100 | +70.0% |
| Median Home Price | $850,000 | $380,000 | +123.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.76% | 0.62% | +22.6% |
| Median Household Income | $75,902 | $62,055 | +22.3% |
| Population | 3,820,914 | 1,650,070 | +131.6% |
Phoenix, AZ is 70.0% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$470,000
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper by 123.7%
Income Difference
$13,847
Los Angeles, CA earns more by 22.3%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
Phoenix, AZ
6.1x
$380,000 / $62,055
Overall, Phoenix, AZ is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 100 compared to 170, a median home price of $380,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 6.1x, Phoenix, AZ offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Los Angeles, CA ($75,902) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.