Cost of Living in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ — prices, rents and what jobs really pay here after taxes.
Price level
103.3
U.S. average = 100 · #44 of 387
Median wage
$51,380
all jobs · $3,532/mo take-home
1-bedroom rent
$1,583
HUD fair market rent
▲3.1%
Pay trend: The median for all workers in Phoenix, AZ rose from $49,840 (May 2024) to $51,380 (May 2025). That beat inflation (2.4%), a real raise of about 0.7%.
Salary comparison calculator
What would you need to earn in Phoenix, AZ to keep the same lifestyle — after taxes — as in another city?
Salary needed to keep your lifestyle
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How expensive is Phoenix, AZ?
With a price level of 103.3 (U.S. average = 100), Phoenix, AZ is more expensive than average. In detail, housing costs run 21% above average; everyday goods are 5% below average; utilities are 7% below average; other services such as healthcare and dining run 4% above average. The biggest difference from the national average is in housing.
Prices in Phoenix, AZ vs. the U.S. average
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.3 | +3.3% |
| Housing | 121.2 | +21.2% |
| Goods | 95.0 | −5.0% |
| Utilities | 93.3 | −6.7% |
| Other services | 104.0 | +4.0% |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Rent in Phoenix, AZ
| Unit | Monthly rent | Income needed (30% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,457 | $58,280/yr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,583 | $63,320/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,839 | $73,560/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,452 | $98,080/yr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,720 | $108,800/yr |
HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026, population-weighted across the metro's counties.
Salary needed to live in Phoenix, AZ
To keep the same standard of living as in an average-priced U.S. city, you would need to earn roughly:
| Salary in an average U.S. city | Equivalent in Phoenix, AZ | Take-home here |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $41,300 | $34,541 |
| $60,000 | $62,000 | $50,656 |
| $80,000 | $82,700 | $65,151 |
| $100,000 | $103,300 | $79,128 |
| $150,000 | $155,000 | $113,542 |
Scaled by the BEA price level (pre-tax). Take-home: single filer, Arizona 2026 taxes. For a tax-aware comparison with a specific city, use the calculator above.
A monthly budget on the median wage
A single worker earning Phoenix, AZ's median wage of $51,380 takes home about $3,532 a month. A typical one-bedroom rents for $1,583, which is 45% of take-home pay — well above the 30% guideline, so many workers here share housing or rent smaller units. That leaves about $1,949 a month for everything else.
Take-home pay in Phoenix, AZ
Your take-home pay
$42,388
per year · effective tax rate 17.5%
$3,532Monthly
$1,766Twice a month
$1,630Every 2 weeks
$20.38Hourly
- Federal income tax$3,986
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,186
- Medicare (1.45%)$745
- Arizona income tax$1,076
- Take-home pay$42,388
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 2.50% state
Highest-paying jobs in Phoenix, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | $239,200+ | $208,649 | $201,953 |
| Dentists, General | $194,180 | $139,942 | $135,451 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $169,720 | $123,235 | $119,280 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $169,310 | $122,965 | $119,019 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $167,010 | $121,451 | $117,553 |
| Sales Manager | $148,320 | $109,143 | $105,640 |
| Financial Manager | $145,940 | $107,576 | $104,124 |
| Human Resources Manager | $145,610 | $107,359 | $103,913 |
| Pharmacist | $144,490 | $106,621 | $103,199 |
| Chief Executive | $138,900 | $102,940 | $99,636 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,270 | $101,209 | $97,960 |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $100,813 | $97,578 |
| Managers, All Other | $135,390 | $100,629 | $97,399 |
| Physician Assistant | $134,650 | $100,142 | $96,928 |
| Marketing Manager | $132,580 | $98,779 | $95,608 |
| Computer Network Architect | $131,990 | $98,390 | $95,232 |
| Software Developer | $131,750 | $98,232 | $95,079 |
| Information Security Analyst | $130,360 | $97,317 | $94,193 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $130,070 | $97,126 | $94,009 |
| Industrial Production Manager | $126,960 | $95,078 | $92,026 |
*In U.S.-average dollars after adjusting for local prices.
Pay and living costs in Arizona cities
Half of Arizona’s 3,239,430 workers earn less than $50,060 a year and half earn more; the middle 50% earn $38,160–$77,830 (BLS, May 2025). Prices vary a lot within the state: Sierra Vista, AZ stretches a paycheck furthest, while Lake Havasu City, AZ is the costliest.
| Metro area | Median pay | Price level | 1-BR rent | Rent share | Left after rent / mo | Buying power* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $51,380 | 103.3 | $1,583 | 45% | $1,949 | $41,028 |
| Tucson, AZ | $47,760 | 96.9 | $1,081 | 33% | $2,216 | $40,838 |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $46,330 | 98.3 | $1,309 | 41% | $1,896 | $39,140 |
| Yuma, AZ | $44,170 | 92.7 | $1,053 | 34% | $2,012 | $39,669 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $47,500 | 100.3 | $1,727 | 53% | $1,554 | $39,240 |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $44,230 | 94.1 | $1,060 | 35% | $2,008 | $39,131 |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $47,050 | 89.2 | $1,111 | 34% | $2,140 | $43,720 |
*Yearly take-home pay (on each metro’s median wage, single filer) in U.S.-average dollars. Price level: BEA RPP 2024 (U.S. = 100). Rent: HUD FY2026 one-bedroom fair market rent.
Phoenix, AZ vs. similar-size cities
| Metro area | Price level | 1-BR rent | Median wage | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 103.3 | $1,583 | $51,380 | 2,375,760 |
| San Francisco, CA | 115.6 | $2,620 | $74,260 | 2,373,920 |
| Seattle, WA | 111.1 | $2,022 | $72,610 | 2,086,210 |
| Boston, MA | 108.3 | $2,276 | $66,620 | 2,703,890 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 104.8 | $1,396 | $59,320 | 1,951,650 |
| Miami, FL | 114.2 | $1,942 | $48,640 | 2,819,940 |
| Detroit, MI | 100.3 | $1,128 | $52,080 | 1,904,530 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Phoenix, AZ expensive to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, overall prices in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ metro area are 103.3% of the U.S. average, with housing at 121.2%. It is the #44 most expensive of 387 metro areas we track.
What salary do you need to live in Phoenix, AZ?
To match the buying power of a $60,000 salary in an average-priced U.S. city you would need about $61,990 in Phoenix, AZ (before tax differences). The median wage across all jobs here is $51,380.
Can you afford Phoenix, AZ on the median wage?
A single worker on the $51,380 median wage takes home about $3,532 a month after 2026 taxes; a one-bedroom at $1,583 would take 45% of that.
How much is rent in Phoenix, AZ?
HUD’s FY2026 fair market rents for Phoenix, AZ are $1,457 for a studio, $1,583 for one bedroom, $1,839 for two bedrooms and $2,452 for three bedrooms, including utilities.
Top salaries by field in Phoenix, AZ
Management Occupations
- Computer and Information Systems Manager — $169,720
- Architectural and Engineering Manager — $169,310
- Sales Manager — $148,320
- Financial Manager — $145,940
- Human Resources Manager — $145,610
- Chief Executive — $138,900
- Managers, All Other — $135,390
- Marketing Manager — $132,580
Business and Financial Operations Occupations
- Personal Financial Advisor — $103,680
- Project Management Specialist — $100,780
- Management Analyst — $94,900
- Financial and Investment Analyst — $94,700
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other — $84,190
- Accountant and Auditor — $80,820
- Logistician — $79,370
- Insurance Underwriter — $77,740
Computer and Mathematical Occupations
- Computer Network Architect — $131,990
- Software Developer — $131,750
- Information Security Analyst — $130,360
- Data Scientist — $114,540
- Computer Occupations, All Other — $110,590
- Computer Systems Analyst — $103,770
- Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester — $100,740
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator — $93,730
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
- Computer Hardware Engineer — $167,010
- Industrial Engineer — $109,020
- Mechanical Engineer — $100,980
- Electrical Engineer — $99,160
- Civil Engineer — $90,330
Community and Social Service Occupations
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — $66,020
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors — $60,520
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers — $50,150
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker — $46,340
- Social and Human Service Assistant — $43,230
Legal Occupations
- Lawyer — $135,670
- Paralegal and Legal Assistant — $62,620
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary — $96,660
- Instructional Coordinator — $65,340
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $61,330
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $59,570
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education — $59,180
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary — $49,810
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term — $41,590
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education — $36,500
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
- Public Relations Specialist — $70,490
- Graphic Designer — $59,090
- Coach and Scout — $58,560
- Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer — $40,100
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
- Physicians, All Other — $239,200+
- Dentists, General — $194,180
- Pharmacist — $144,490
- Nurse Practitioner — $136,270
- Physician Assistant — $134,650
- Physical Therapist — $103,220
- Dental Hygienist — $102,520
- Registered Nurse — $100,830
Healthcare Support Occupations
- Dental Assistant — $49,760
- Medical Assistant — $46,830
- Phlebotomist — $46,260
- Nursing Assistant — $45,290
- Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker — $38,710
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide — $36,930
Protective Service Occupations
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer — $85,050
- Firefighter — $61,780
- Correctional Officer and Jailer — $57,280
- Security Guard — $38,290
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers — $34,830
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
- Chef and Head Cook — $61,400
- Waiter and Waitress — $47,530
- Bartender — $46,940
- First-Line Supervisor of Food Preparation and Serving Workers — $42,100
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $40,120
- Cooks, Restaurant — $39,170
- Food Preparation Worker — $37,580
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendant and Bartender Helper — $36,960
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker — $39,140
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — $36,280
- Maid and Housekeeping Cleaner — $36,160
Personal Care and Service Occupations
- Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor — $48,300
- Animal Caretaker — $39,030
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — $36,810
- Recreation Worker — $36,190
- Childcare Worker — $35,760
- Amusement and Recreation Attendant — $33,660
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers — $32,510
Sales and Related Occupations
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products — $101,030
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $77,780
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel — $74,910
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products — $74,790
- Insurance Sales Agent — $61,570
- Real Estate Sales Agent — $60,890
- First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers — $48,990
- Parts Salesperson — $46,860
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant — $74,010
- First-Line Supervisor of Office and Administrative Support Workers — $65,470
- Postal Service Mail Carrier — $64,250
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks — $59,110
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — $51,980
- Loan Interviewer and Clerk — $50,970
- Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk — $50,620
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk — $50,350
Construction and Extraction Occupations
- First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — $79,840
- Construction and Building Inspector — $76,650
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $63,750
- Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator — $62,540
- Electrician — $61,210
- Carpenter — $60,320
- Structural Iron and Steel Worker — $59,540
- Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher — $59,260
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers — $77,000
- Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician — $76,610
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic — $75,850
- Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer — $75,420
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines — $63,440
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist — $63,330
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers — $62,200
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers — $61,170
Production Occupations
- First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers — $75,810
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator — $63,660
- Machinist — $61,270
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $56,540
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $52,000
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers — $46,140
- Miscellaneous Assembler and Fabricator — $45,110
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operator and Tender — $42,450
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors — $64,990
- Flight Attendant — $61,780
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver — $59,770
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator — $48,770
- Bus Drivers, School — $46,760
- Light Truck Driver — $45,790
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $44,950
- Driver/Sales Worker — $39,640