Is Phoenix, AZ or San Francisco, CA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Phoenix, AZ leaves you more: $43,203/yr. On $120,000, Phoenix, AZ leaves $65,002/yr in pocket (state tax $3,000, housing $22,418) vs San Francisco, CA's $21,799 (state tax $11,160, housing $57,461).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Arizona: 2.50% vs California: 9.30%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Phoenix, AZ vs San Francisco, CA

Phoenix, AZ vs San Francisco, CA: cost of living on $120,000

Phoenix, AZ +$43,203/yr On $120,000, Phoenix, AZ leaves $65,002/yr in pocket vs San Francisco, CA's $21,799 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Phoenix, AZ	San Francisco, CA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$3,000 (2.50%)	$11,160 (9.30%)
After-tax income	$87,420	$79,260
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$22,418	$57,461
Real money in pocket	$65,002	$21,799

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Phoenix, AZ or San Francisco, CA cheaper?: On $120,000, Phoenix, AZ — by $43,203/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Arizona 2.50% vs California 9.30%) and housing cost.

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