Phoenix, AZ, US
Valley of the Sun with 300+ days of sunshine, affordable housing, and rapid growth.
Overview
Phoenix is a city in AZ with a population of 1,644,409. Valley of the Sun with 300+ days of sunshine, affordable housing, and rapid growth. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 299 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.8.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Phoenix vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.6%
- Sales Tax: 8.6%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $62,000
- Unemployment: 3.4%
- Population: 1,644,409
Climate
- Sunny Days: 299/year
- Summer High: 106°F
- Winter Low: 46°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: $420,000
- 1BR Rent: $1450/mo
Cost of Living
Phoenix's cost of living index is 108.2 (US average = 100).
| Category | Phoenix | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108.2 | 100 | +8.2% |
| Housing | 124.6 | 100 | +24.6% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1450/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,813/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $280 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Phoenix:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $155 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $17 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $93 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $75 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $425 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Phoenix scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Phoenix has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F | 46°F | 2.5" |
| April | 91°F | 61°F | 2.8" |
| July | 106°F | 81°F | 1.5" |
| October | 86°F | 64°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Phoenix faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 110°F.
Arid desert environment with extreme drought conditions.
Wildfire risk in surrounding desert and mountains.
Dust storms in the Sonoran Desert.
Active seismic region.
Flash floods.
Winter storms in mountains.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 2.59%
- Sales Tax: 8.6%
- Property Tax: ~0.62% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Phoenix per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Phoenix is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ, US?
The cost of living index in Phoenix is 108.2, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Phoenix?
The median home price in Phoenix is $420,000. The housing index is 124.6.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Phoenix is approximately $1450/mo.
Does Phoenix, AZ have income tax?
Phoenix is in AZ, which has an income tax rate of 2.59%.
What is the climate like in Phoenix?
Phoenix enjoys approximately 299 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 106°F, while winter lows can drop to around 46°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.