Side-by-side comparison

Fairfax vs Phoenix

Cost of living comparison for Fairfax, Virginia and Phoenix, Arizona.

Bottom line

Fairfax is approximately 30% more expensive than Phoenix. A single person needs about $4,808/mo in Fairfax versus $3,694/mo in Phoenix.

Rent in Fairfax vs Phoenix

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Fairfax · Studio

$2,012

Phoenix · Studio

$1,530

Fairfax is $482 (32%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · 1 bedroom

$2,056

Phoenix · 1 bedroom

$1,679

Fairfax is $377 (22%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · 2 bedroom

$2,314

Phoenix · 2 bedroom

$1,950

Fairfax is $364 (19%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · 3 bedroom

$2,893

Phoenix · 3 bedroom

$2,624

Fairfax is $269 (10%) higher than Phoenix

Income & earnings in Fairfax vs Phoenix

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Fairfax · Household income

$150,113

Phoenix · Household income

$85,518

Fairfax is $64,595 (76%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Individual earnings

$71,572

Phoenix · Individual earnings

$46,640

Fairfax is $24,932 (53%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Per capita

$69,971

Phoenix · Per capita

$44,210

Fairfax is $25,761 (58%) higher than Phoenix

Home values in Fairfax vs Phoenix

Average values and property tax.

Fairfax · Average home value

$699,700

Phoenix · Average home value

$414,700

Fairfax is $285,000 (69%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Annual property tax

$7,072

Phoenix · Annual property tax

$1,965

Fairfax is $5,107 (260%) higher than Phoenix

Energy in Fairfax vs Phoenix

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Fairfax · Monthly electricity

$153

Phoenix · Monthly electricity

$150

Fairfax is $3 (2%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Monthly gas

$49

Phoenix · Monthly gas

$39

Fairfax is $10 (26%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Annual total

$2,424

Phoenix · Annual total

$2,268

Fairfax is $156 (7%) higher than Phoenix

Healthcare in Fairfax vs Phoenix

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Fairfax · Individual premium

$480

Phoenix · Individual premium

$480

Fairfax and Phoenix are about the same

Fairfax · Family premium

$1,350

Phoenix · Family premium

$1,350

Fairfax and Phoenix are about the same

Fairfax · Uninsured rate

7.4%

Phoenix · Uninsured rate

10.7%

Phoenix is 3.3% (45%) higher than Fairfax

Taxes in Fairfax vs Phoenix

State income and sales tax.

Fairfax · State income tax

5.8%

Phoenix · State income tax

2.5%

Fairfax is 3.3% (130%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · State sales tax

5.3%

Phoenix · State sales tax

5.6%

Phoenix is 0.3% (6%) higher than Fairfax

Fairfax · Combined sales tax

5.8%

Phoenix · Combined sales tax

8.4%

Phoenix is 2.6% (46%) higher than Fairfax

Transportation in Fairfax vs Phoenix

Commute time and travel modes.

Fairfax · Average commute

29.5 min

Phoenix · Average commute

26.1 min

Fairfax is 3.4 min (13%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Drive alone

57.9%

Phoenix · Drive alone

66.6%

Phoenix is 8.7% (15%) higher than Fairfax

Fairfax · Public transit

5.3%

Phoenix · Public transit

1.3%

Fairfax is 4.0% (308%) higher than Phoenix

Monthly cost estimates in Fairfax vs Phoenix

All categories combined.

Fairfax · Single person

$4,808

Phoenix · Single person

$3,694

Fairfax is $1,114 (30%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Couple

$7,470

Phoenix · Couple

$5,274

Fairfax is $2,196 (42%) higher than Phoenix

Fairfax · Family

$10,211

Phoenix · Family

$8,098

Fairfax is $2,113 (26%) higher than Phoenix

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Fairfax and Phoenix.

Is Fairfax or Phoenix more expensive?

Fairfax is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,808/mo in Fairfax, Virginia and $3,694/mo in Phoenix, Arizona, a difference of about 30%.

What is the rent difference between Fairfax and Phoenix?

Average one-bedroom rent in Fairfax, Virginia is $2,056/mo versus $1,679/mo in Phoenix, Arizona. Fairfax is approximately $377 (22%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Fairfax or Phoenix?

Fairfax has the higher average household income. Fairfax households earn approximately $150,113 per year; Phoenix households earn approximately $85,518 per year.

More on Fairfax and Phoenix

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Fairfax profile Phoenix profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.