Phoenix vs Provo

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Utah salaries

Living in Phoenix vs Provo

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,300 in Provo.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.

Relocating: Phoenix vs Provo

If you are considering a move between Phoenix (index: 100) and Provo (index: 104), the 4% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Phoenix is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Phoenix can afford $1,341/month, while the median household in Provo can afford $1,191/month. With median homes at $350,000 in Phoenix versus $380,000 in Provo, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,400/month in Phoenix and $1,300/month in Provo, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes about equally far in both cities. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Phoenix (100) vs Provo (104)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Phoenix at 100 is 0% below the US average, while Provo at 104 is 4% above average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

Phoenix and Provo land within 4 points of each other on the composite index (100 vs 104), so the overall cost picture is similar. Housing shows the widest single-category margin at 102 versus 112, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Phoenix and Provo. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Phoenix with indices of 102 versus 112. Median home prices of $350,000 in Phoenix and $380,000 in Provo underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Phoenix has an edge in housing and healthcare, while Provo is more affordable for groceries and utilities. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,400/month in Phoenix and $1,300/month in Provo, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,200. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $6,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $30,000 difference in median home prices between Phoenix and Provo translates to roughly $1,800 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

🔗 Related Tools

📚 Moving & Relocation Resources

Amazon affiliate links