Quick answer
Overall prices in the Phoenix, AZ metro were 103.3 vs 111.9 in San Diego, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Phoenix is 7.7% less expensive than San Diego; housing rents differ by 32% (121.2 vs 179.3). A $75,000 income in Phoenix buys about what $81,222 buys in San Diego, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Phoenix | San Diego | Phoenix vs San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.3 | 111.9 | -7.7% |
| Goods | 95.0 | 108.0 | -12.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 121.2 | 179.3 | -32.4% |
| Utilities | 93.3 | 174.2 | -46.4% |
| Other services | 104.0 | 99.6 | +4.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.7 | 113.7 | -7.1% |
| $50,000 in Phoenix equals in San Diego | $54,148 | ||
| $100,000 in Phoenix equals in San Diego | $108,296 | ||
| $150,000 in Phoenix equals in San Diego | $162,444 |
Related
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- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs San Francisco, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA (2024)
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- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Tampa, FL (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.