Arizona vs California | Quality of Life

Quality of Life Comparison

Arizona

California

How Arizona and California compare on quality of life: livability score, best state to live in, cost of living, and more.

Overview

Key differences

Livability Score

Arizona has a higher livability score than California.

Best State to Live In

Arizona scores higher as a state to live in California.

Cost of Living

Arizona is more affordable than California.

Gas Price

Arizona has cheaper regular gas than California by $1.

Gas Tax

Arizona has a lower state gas tax than California.

Electricity Rates

Arizona has cheaper residential electricity than California.

Metric	AZ	CA	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	51.01	50.49	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	51.01	50.49	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	103.1	138.5	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$4.742/gal	$5.929/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	18.00 c/gal	54.00 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	15.61 c/kWh	30.29 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	25.9 min	28.4 min	Details ->
Car Insurance Cost Average annual full coverage car insurance premium (WalletHub 2026).	$2,111/yr	$2,567/yr	Details ->
Average Credit Score Average consumer credit score by state in 2025.	709	721	Details ->