Arizona vs Florida: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Arizona vs Florida comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Top two retiree destinations in the U.S. — comparing AZ's 2.5% flat + Sun City retirement communities against FL's no-income-tax + Save Our Homes property-tax cap.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Arizona | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 2.50% (flat) | None |
| State sales tax | 5.60% | 6.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.54% | 0.86% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.15/hr | $14.00/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $437,000 | $410,000 |
| Foreclosure type | non-judicial | judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 102.6 | 100.4 |
| Median household income (2024) | $73,450 | $67,900 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,690/mo | $1,810/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Arizona: estimated state income tax ≈ $1,313, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 5.60% on consumption.
- Florida: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Arizona ≈ $$2,160/year; Florida ≈ $$3,440/year.
Why this comparison? Top two retiree destinations in the U.S. — comparing AZ's 2.5% flat + Sun City retirement communities against FL's no-income-tax + Save Our Homes property-tax cap.
Drill into specific calculators
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Arizona or Florida?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Arizona has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 and Florida is 100.4 (US average = 100). Median household income: Arizona $73,450, Florida $67,900. Median 2-bedroom rent: Arizona $1,690/mo, Florida $1,810/mo. Florida is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Arizona or Florida have lower income tax in 2026?
Florida has no state income tax; Arizona has a top rate of 2.50%. Florida is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Arizona vs Florida?
Arizona's average effective property tax rate is 0.54% (e.g., $2,160/year on a $400,000 home). Florida's rate is 0.86% ($3,440/year on $400K). Arizona has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Arizona or Florida?
Arizona's 2026 minimum wage is $14.85/hour; Florida's is $14.00/hour. Arizona is higher.