City vs city
Phoenix, AZ vs San Diego, CA
- Rent is 46% lower in Phoenix (median $1,582/mo vs $2,313/mo in San Diego).
- Homes cost 116% less in Phoenix ($421k vs $907k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $837 more a month after taxes and rent in Phoenix.
- Schools rate higher in San Diego (4.3/10 vs 1.9/10).
- San Diego has less violent crime (3.8 vs 7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Phoenix gets more sun (299 vs 266 sunny days a year).
| Phoenix | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,582/mo | $2,313/mo |
| Median home value | $421k | $907k |
| Median household income | $81k | $108k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,412 | $2,575 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.9/10 | 4.3/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.9× the US rate | about the US rate |
| Summer average | 107°F | 77°F |
| Winter average | 56°F | 58°F |
| Sunny days a year | 299 | 266 |
| Walk score | 41 | 52 |
| Population | 1,642,323 | 1,389,526 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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