Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, Arizona runs roughly 27% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $79,713 in New York — about 3% higher in New York. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
4%
+1.6 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
10.90%
+8.4 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,705
+36% in New York
Median Home Value
$364,300
$751,700
+106% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$79,713
+3% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
55.0°F
+20.1°F in Arizona
Arizona vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or New York?
- Arizona is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,253 runs about 27% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in New York?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $68,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or New York?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/New York — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.