Kept

City vs city

Los Angeles vs Phoenix

$100,000 in Los Angeles buys a lifestyle closer to $74,000 in Phoenix, because Phoenix's cost-of-living index is 110 versus 149.

Los Angeles

Large, spread-out, and car-dependent. Housing and insurance push costs well above the US average.

COL index
149
Typical 1-bed
$2,550/mo
Comfortable salary
$127,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full Los Angeles guide

Phoenix

Sun Belt growth, a 2.5% flat state tax, and summers that drive up power bills.

COL index
110
Typical 1-bed
$1,550/mo
Comfortable salary
$94,000
$100k take-home
$76,889
Full Phoenix guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs San Diegovs Irvine