Phoenix vs San Jose: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Median home value runs $340,200 in Phoenix, 70% lower than the $1,149,600 median in San Jose.
On median household income, Phoenix posts $72,092 while San Jose posts $136,010.
Renters pay a median $1,322 in Phoenix versus $2,526 in San Jose.
FEMA's National Risk Index puts both cities at "Very High" for overall natural-hazard risk.
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,609,456 | 1,001,176 |
| Median home value | $340,200 | $1,149,600 |
| Median household income | $72,092 | $136,010 |
| Median gross rent | $1,322 | $2,526 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Housing is cheaper across the board in Phoenix, AZ compared with San Jose, CA: lower home values, lower rent. Other cost-of-living factors aren't reflected here.
- Best cities in Arizona
- Best cities in California
- San Francisco vs San Jose: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Phoenix vs Los Angeles: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Phoenix vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.