Phoenix, Arizona and Central Contra Costa, California both offer unique lifestyles that attract residents and tourists alike. Phoenix, being one of the largest cities in the U.S, is noted for its year-round sunny weather, affordable cost of living, and growing job market. On the other hand, Central Contra Costa offers a serene, high-quality lifestyle characterized by a healthy economy, outstanding education system, and greater access to healthcare. The following comparison covers essential aspects such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more that potential residents and tourists should be aware of.
Safety can vary within cities, but overall, Phoenix has a higher crime rate in comparison to Central Contra Costa. The violent crime rate per 1000 residents in Phoenix is slightly above the national average. However, with active community involvement, the city's authorities have implemented strategies to drive down these rates.
On the contrary, Central Contra Costa generally is a safe area with a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average. It’s important for potential residents and tourist to know, however, that like any urban area, crime is prevalent to some degree.
Cost of Living
Phoenix has a significantly lower cost of living relative to Central Contra Costa. Everything from housing, groceries, utilities to healthcare tends to be more affordable in Phoenix.
Whereas, Central Contra Costa is one of the most expensive places to live in California. This high living standard is tied to housing which is the most significant factor in the cost of living difference.
Income Tax
Arizona has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.50%. California has one of the highest income taxes in the U.S with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in Phoenix is lower than in Central Contra Costa. Arizona, in general, has relatively low property taxes compared to its high property tax in California.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Phoenix, AZ stands at 8.6% while in Central Contra Costa, the sales tax is usually around 8.25%, depending on the specific city.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
139.1
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $68,725 in Central Contra Costa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by mountains offering great hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Contra Costa is marked by varied geographical conditions, from rolling hills to forested areas, and water bodies, making it a paradise for outdoor activities.
Geographical information
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Land area
474.9 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
3,421.1 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Phoenix, AZ Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
Both Phoenix and Central Contra Costa are home to great educational institutions. Phoenix has top public, charter and private schools, with Arizona State University also close by. Central Contra Costa is noted for its well-regarded school districts and proximity to renowned universities like UC Berkeley, making it ideal for families prioritizing education.
Phoenix has a robust economy with significant industries in real estate, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. The job growth future looks promising.
Central Contra Costa also has a strong economy anchored in sectors like healthcare, education, professional services, and retail trades. It boasts a lower unemployment rate compared to the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, some of the biggest employers include Banner Health, Walmart, and the City of Phoenix. These employers play a significant role in providing job opportunities to Phoenix residents.
In Central Contra Costa, the largest employers include Chevron, Kaiser Permanente, and Mt. Diablo Unified School District.
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
2020
50.2%
71.8%
48.0%
26.4%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
44.9%
67.5%
47.7%
24.5%
7.5%
8.0%
2012
43.6%
66.2%
54.3%
31.1%
2.1%
2.7%
2008
44.0%
68.0%
54.5%
30.2%
1.5%
1.8%
2004
42.4%
62.6%
57.0%
36.7%
0.6%
0.7%
2000
43.0%
59.0%
53.4%
37.2%
3.6%
3.8%
1996
44.5%
55.7%
47.2%
35.2%
8.2%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
21.8%
4.3%
5.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.3%
6.5%
10.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.5%
2.0%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.5%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.3%
2.3%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
1.0%
1.0%
1.4%
Weather
The weather between the two cities is vastly different. Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate with very mild winters and extremely hot summers. It's perfect for those who enjoy sun all year round- ideal for outdoor activities.
Contrastingly, Central Contra Costa features a Mediterranean climate. It boasts of cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Its mild climate makes it attractive for those who prefer a balance between sunshine and cooler weather.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
2018
156
105
0.38
0.32
15.2
6.9
28.5
22.1
0.012
N/A
34.8
N/A
8.6
13.3
0.6
0.6
2017
120
102
0.41
0.30
15.9
7.0
28.6
25.9
0.008
N/A
34.9
N/A
7.6
11.9
1.4
0.7
2016
114
86
0.44
0.28
15.8
6.5
27.3
25.2
0.005
N/A
30.6
N/A
7.7
6.5
0.4
0.8
2015
102
94
0.46
0.34
17.6
7.6
27.1
25.8
0.004
N/A
26.2
N/A
7.9
8.8
0.9
0.5
2014
117
95
0.46
0.35
19.6
7.8
27.6
25.2
0.005
N/A
37.0
N/A
8.5
6.9
1.1
0.5
2013
130
93
0.43
0.34
19.9
9.3
27.9
21.5
0.004
N/A
35.3
N/A
8.4
7.8
0.9
0.5
2012
157
93
0.44
0.32
21.2
8.5
28.1
25.2
0.003
N/A
41.9
N/A
8.8
8.3
1.3
0.3
2011
203
99
0.47
0.35
20.0
9.0
28.3
23.0
0.003
N/A
41.3
N/A
9.6
9.8
0.9
0.6
2010
100
93
0.48
0.31
19.9
8.6
26.9
23.2
0.014
N/A
31.2
N/A
8.3
8.5
0.9
0.5
2009
108
104
0.52
0.31
20.1
9.5
25.6
23.7
0.006
N/A
38.2
N/A
N/A
10.3
1.8
0.6
2008
106
120
0.48
0.36
21.4
10.2
26.6
26.1
0.006
N/A
39.6
N/A
N/A
12.1
2.4
0.8
2007
129
104
0.54
0.36
23.5
10.7
25.2
24.1
0.006
N/A
47.6
N/A
N/A
9.7
2.4
0.7
2006
131
109
0.66
0.39
25.3
10.9
24.4
26.0
N/A
N/A
50.8
N/A
N/A
11.1
2.3
0.8
2005
109
104
0.74
0.43
25.9
11.6
22.2
22.7
N/A
N/A
44.6
N/A
N/A
10.4
2.5
1.0
2004
98
112
0.77
0.46
25.5
12.4
23.4
22.6
0.004
N/A
32.8
N/A
N/A
11.9
1.4
1.1
2003
101
84
0.90
0.51
26.8
13.4
23.7
23.1
N/A
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.7
2002
111
88
0.98
0.51
28.7
14.7
23.6
23.3
0.008
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
0.9
2001
106
90
1.00
0.56
28.6
15.4
22.3
22.1
0.008
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.2
2000
117
95
1.14
0.67
29.9
15.9
24.6
20.8
0.013
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Phoenix offers multiple forms of public transportation including light rail, buses, and shuttles. Most residents, however, still rely on cars to get around the city.
In Central Contra Costa, public transportation services include buses, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), and a well-connected road network. Despite these, many people here also rely on personal vehicles.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
0.4%
0.5%
Bus
1.8%
1%
Carpooled
12.2%
9.9%
Car alone
81.8%
72.3%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.8%
Subway
0%
7.7%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Average
28.6 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
The Phoenix real estate market is generally affordable compared to other major US cities. However, prices have been increasing due to high demand.
Conversely, Central Contra Costa's real estate market is one of the most expensive in California, and as such, higher income is needed to afford housing.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix is composed of a variety of neighborhoods each with their unique characteristics. Some popular ones include Ahwatukee Foothills, and the Arcadia area known for its vibrant nightlife and family-friendly environment.
Central Contra Costa has affluent neighborhoods like Walnut Creek, and Lafayette, marked by their pleasant residential settings and top-rated public schools.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
Houses
644,625
183,777
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.5
Renting percentage
42.4%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
703.4
Household income disparities
43.9%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
22,217
State government workers
30,385
6,705
Unpaid family workers
1,048
617
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix has a diverse economy with occupations spread across sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and technology. Notable employers include Banner Health, Wells Fargo and Intel.
In Central Contra Costa, the job market is influenced by sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and professional services. Notable employers include Kaiser Permanente, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and John Muir Health.
Phoenix has excellent infrastructure, exhibited by its rapidly growing skyline filled with modern buildings. It also has robust water, transportation, and energy infrastructure.
Similarly, Central Contra Costa has well-developed infrastructure including impressive road networks, public works, and utilities, along with an array of gorgeous residential and commercial architecture styles.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
22
24
Culture and Food
Phoenix offers a diverse mix of cultural experiences from art galleries, museums, theater performances, plus a wide culinary scene influenced by its Mexican heritage.
Contra Costa presents a mix of suburban and urban cultures, with rich historical attractions, local festivals, and internationally-inspired gourmet scene.
Sports Teams
Phoenix has professional sports teams in all four major leagues, including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and Arizona Coyotes (NHL).
While Central Contra Costa doesn’t have any major sports teams in the area, but sports fans enjoy accessibility to teams in the nearby San Francisco and Oakland areas.
Phoenix, AZ
Central Contra Costa, CA
