City Comparison · 2026
San Diego vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in San Diego = $67k in Phoenix
Metric
San Diego
Phoenix
COL Index
1.67
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$2,250/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,900/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
CA
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$73,198
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
26.8%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$46,198
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | San Diego CA | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $48,276 $4,023/mo · 19.54% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,198 $6,100/mo · 26.8% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $103,090 $8,591/mo · 31.27% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Diego or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
San Diego has a cost-of-living index of 1.67 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in San Diego is $2,250/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in San Diego vs Phoenix?
$100k in San Diego = $67k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 32.9%.
Which city has better after-tax income — San Diego or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,198 in CA (San Diego) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $46,198 in San Diego vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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