The numbers, side by side
| Metric | San Francisco | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 191 | 105 | -86 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $3,400 | $1,450 | -$1,950 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $4,400 | $1,900 | -$2,500 |
| Median household income | $92,345 | $59,142 | -$33,203 |
| Population | 815,201 | 1,581,000 | +765,799 |
What salary you'd need in Phoenix
To maintain your San Francisco purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Phoenix.
San Francisco vs Phoenix: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, San Francisco's cost-of-living index of 191 runs roughly 45.0% higher than Phoenix's 105. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in San Francisco averages $3,400/month, vs $1,450/month in Phoenix — a -$1,950 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$2,500/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $23,400 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in San Francisco is $92,345, while Phoenix runs $59,142 (-$33,203 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
San Francisco is in California and Phoenix is in Arizona, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.