Phoenix is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Phoenix to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,893
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,729
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$87,717
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$420,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$1,850
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$181
👥 People living there
666,442
1,642,323
Commute to work
30.3 min
25.6 min
College degree
54.9%
33.6%
Own their home
35.7%
57.3%
Below poverty line
16.6%
13.7%
Unemployment
6.1%
5%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Phoenix for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $59,180 | -40% in Phoenix |
| Plumber | $96,760 | $63,750 | -34% in Phoenix |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $74,590 | -27% in Phoenix |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $98,610 | -26% in Phoenix |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $135,670 | -26% in Phoenix |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $61,210 | -23% in Phoenix |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $61,170 | -22% in Phoenix |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $47,530 | +21% in Phoenix |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Phoenix is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,893 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Phoenix to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $57,257 a year gives the same standard of living in Phoenix.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Phoenix?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $87,717 in Phoenix, 20% more in Boston.