Salary in Phoenix 2026: Take-Home, Budget, Cost of Living
Take-home at multiple salary levels, 50/30/20 budget, MIT living wage, neighbourhood rents, and top employers. Arizona state tax verified April 2026.
73
COL Index (NYC=100)
$1,350/mo
Median 1BR Rent
$2,000
State Tax ($80K)
$43,000/yr
MIT Living Wage (single)
Your Take-Home in Phoenix
$
$80,000/yr in Phoenix
$5,242/mo
take-home after all taxes
Federal + FICA$15,092
Arizona State Tax$2,000
Annual Take-Home$62,908
Is $X a Good Salary in Phoenix?
| Annual | Take-Home/mo | Rent/Take-Home | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,425 | 39% | Solid |
| $75,000 | $4,960 | 27% | Excellent |
| $100,000 | $6,373 | 21% | Excellent |
| $150,000 | $9,149 | 15% | Excellent |
Rent as % of monthly take-home. Under 33%: excellent. Under 40%: solid. Under 50%: workable. Over 50%: tight.
MIT Living Wage, Phoenix (Arizona)
$43,000/yr
Single adult
$112,000/yr
Family of 4
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator 2025.
Cost of Living in Phoenix, AZ (Numbeo Q1 2026)
73 / 100
COL Index
vs NYC baseline
68 / 100
Rent Index
residential rents
80 / 100
Groceries Index
vs NYC
$64/mo
Transit Cost
monthly pass or equivalent
Neighbourhoods and Rent Ranges in Phoenix
Downtown ($1,400-2,600), Scottsdale ($1,600-3,500), Tempe ($1,300-2,400), Chandler ($1,200-2,100), Mesa ($1,100-1,900)
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index, April 2026. Ranges reflect studio to 2-bedroom.
Top Employers in Phoenix
Banner Health, Mayo Clinic, Amazon, Intel, State Farm
Source: BLS QCEW 2024, company public disclosures.
Phoenix vs Nearby Cities on $80,000/yr
Arizona state income tax: see full rate breakdown at incometaxbystate.comCost of living by stateAll 25 metros
Phoenix Salary FAQ
What is a good salary in Phoenix in 2026?+
A 'good' salary in Phoenix is one where rent consumes less than 30% of gross monthly income or 33% of take-home. On $80,000 per year in Phoenix, take-home is determined by federal tax, FICA, and Arizona state tax. Use the calculator above to see exact figures. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025) estimates a single adult in Phoenix needs roughly the living wage figure shown above for a basic comfortable life without savings margin.
How much is rent in Phoenix?+
The Zillow Observed Rent Index for Phoenix (April 2026) shows a median 1-bedroom rent in the range listed in the city data above. Rent varies significantly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood notes section for sub-city rent variation.
What is the take-home on $80,000 in Phoenix?+
On $80,000 per year, a single filer in Phoenix pays federal income tax plus FICA. Arizona state income tax applies at the rate shown in the calculator above. Use the calculator to see exact take-home for your filing status.
Does Phoenix have a city income tax?+
Phoenix does not charge a separate city income tax in 2026. State income tax is the only sub-federal income tax applicable.
How does Phoenix compare to the national average?+
The cost of living index for Phoenix (Numbeo Q1 2026, NYC=100) is shown in the stats above. A higher index means higher costs than NYC; lower means cheaper. For a direct side-by-side comparison with any other city, use the compare tool linked below.