Arizona vs California: Cost of Living
Side-by-side comparison · 2023 Census ACS & Tax Foundation data
Arizona
- Median Home
- $358,900
- Median Rent
- $1,431/mo
- Median Income
- $76,872
- Income Tax
- 2.5%
California
- Median Home
- $695,400
- Median Rent
- $1,956/mo
- Median Income
- $96,334
- Income Tax
- 13.3%
| Category | Arizona | California |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $358,900 | $695,400 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,431/mo | $1,956/mo |
| Median Household Income | $76,872 | $96,334 |
| Per Capita Income | $40,736 | $47,977 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.1% | 6.4% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% | 12.0% |
| Avg Commute | 26.0 min | 29.8 min |
| Taxes | ||
| State Income Tax (top rate) | 2.5% | 13.3% |
| Total Sales Tax | 8.4% | 8.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.6% | 0.7% |
Green = better value for that metric. Data from 2023 Census ACS 5-Year Estimates and Tax Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arizona or California cheaper to live in?
Based on median home values, Arizona is more affordable. Arizona's median home value is $358,900 vs California's $695,400. However, income levels also matter — Arizona's median household income is $76,872 while California's is $96,334.
Does Arizona or California have lower income taxes?
Arizona has a lower top state income tax rate. Arizona: 2.5%, California: 13.3%.
What is the difference in cost of living between Arizona and California?
Median home values differ by $336,500. Median rents differ by $525/mo. Median incomes: Arizona $76,872, California $96,334.