Kept

City vs city

San Diego vs Phoenix

$100,000 in San Diego buys a lifestyle closer to $75,000 in Phoenix, because Phoenix's cost-of-living index is 110 versus 146.

San Diego

Climate premium is real. Rents rival Los Angeles without the same density of ultra-high salaries.

COL index
146
Typical 1-bed
$2,450/mo
Comfortable salary
$124,000
$100k take-home
$73,957
Full San Diego 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 Los Angelesvs Irvine