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Los Angeles vs Phoenix: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Los Angeles is 57% more expensive than Phoenix. Los Angeles is 15% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 6). Los Angeles population: 3,869,089. Phoenix population: 1,665,481.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingPhoenix
SafetyLos Angeles
WeatherLos Angeles
HousingPhoenix

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Phoenix

Phoenix is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 165 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 60 index points.

CategoryLos AngelesPhoenix
Overall Index165105
Housing$4,806/moIndex: 270$2,314/moIndex: 130
Groceries$443/moIndex: 108$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$420/moIndex: 120$357/moIndex: 102
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$209/moIndex: 95$231/moIndex: 105

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Los Angeles vs Phoenix

Los Angeles is 15% safer overall, with a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents vs Phoenix's 37.5. Los Angeles earns a C- safety grade compared to Phoenix's D. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C-

Los Angeles

California

Overall GradeC-
Violent CrimeD
Property CrimeC
Crime Rate32/1K
TrendImproving
D

Phoenix

Arizona

Overall GradeD
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeD
Crime Rate37.5/1K
TrendStable
MetricLos AngelesPhoenix
Overall Crime Rate32/1K37.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate700.0550.0
Property Crime Rate2500.03200.0
Murder Rate10.28.0
Assault Rate490.2436.3
Robbery Rate140.9120.2
Burglary Rate327.5411.7
Theft Rate1736.22759.4
Vehicle Theft Rate273.1680.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Los Angeles, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 27 in Phoenix.

Climate: Los Angeles vs Phoenix

Los Angeles Climate Overview

Annual High75°F
Annual Low56.7°F
Annual Rain14.7"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months12
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthFebruary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Phoenix Climate Overview

Annual High86.8°F
Annual Low62.4°F
Annual Rain7.3"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthJuly
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarmHot

Monthly Temperature Comparison

Los AngelesPhoenixHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricLos AngelesPhoenix
Avg Annual High75°F86.8°F
Avg Annual Low56.7°F62.4°F
Annual Rain14.7"7.3"
Annual SnowNoneNone
Comfortable Months126
Freezing Months00

Phoenix is 21°F warmer in summer than Los Angeles, but Phoenix is 5°F colder in winter than Los Angeles. Los Angeles is wetter with 15" of annual rain compared to 7". Los Angeles has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles cheaper than Phoenix?
Phoenix is 57% more affordable than Los Angeles, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 165 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,806/mo in Los Angeles vs $2,314/mo in Phoenix.
Is Los Angeles safer than Phoenix?
Los Angeles is 15% safer overall, with a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents vs Phoenix's 37.5. Los Angeles earns a C- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Los Angeles or Phoenix?
Phoenix is 11.799999999999997°F warmer on average as Los Angeles. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 6). Neither city gets significant snow.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Phoenix?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles is safer (C- grade). Phoenix is more affordable (index 105 vs 165). Los Angeles has better year-round weather. Los Angeles has a population of 3,869,089 and Phoenix has 1,665,481. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Los Angeles compared to Phoenix?
Los Angeles has a population of 3,869,089 and Phoenix has 1,665,481. Los Angeles is 132% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Los Angeles or Phoenix?
Housing is cheaper in Phoenix. Estimated monthly housing costs: Los Angeles $4,806/mo vs Phoenix $2,314/mo. That's based on a housing index of 270 vs 130 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C-
Los Angeles Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
D
Phoenix Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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