CostByCity

Phoenix, AZ vs Santa Cruz, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Phoenix, AZ is more affordable by 6.6 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryPhoenix, AZSanta Cruz, CADifference
Overall103.3109.9-6.6
Housing121.2164.3-43.1
Goods95.0105.2-10.1
Utilities93.3152.7-59.4
Other Services104.0100.3+3.7

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSanta Cruz, CA
Median Household Income$79,935$104,409
Median Home Value$360,600$951,300
Median Monthly Rent$1,432$2,094
Per Capita Income$40,787$52,887

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix, AZ or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Phoenix, AZ is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 6.6 index points (Phoenix, AZ: 103.3, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Phoenix, AZ or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Phoenix, AZ. Housing index: Phoenix, AZ (121.2) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).