Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Phoenix, AZ: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · as of July 2026
Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Phoenix, AZ side by side
| Metric | ● Boston-Cambridge-Newton | ● Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 27 | 32 |
| Price Momentum | 50 | 41 |
| Inventory Health | 2 | 34 |
| Affordability | 9 | 21 |
| Economic Strength | 42 | 23 |
| Rental Yield | 42 | 46 |
| Median Sale Price | — | $469K |
| Price-to-Income | 5.4 | 5.5 |
| Payment-to-Income | 33.3% | 32.9% |
| Months of Supply | — | 4 |
| Gross Rental Yield | 3.8% | 4.0% |
| Overvaluation Index | 40 | 80 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Phoenix, AZ compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Phoenix, AZ leads — Boston-Cambridge-Newton 9/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 21/100.
- Price Momentum: Boston-Cambridge-Newton leads — Boston-Cambridge-Newton 50/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 41/100.
- Inventory Health: Phoenix, AZ leads — Boston-Cambridge-Newton 2/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 34/100.
- Economic Strength: Boston-Cambridge-Newton leads — Boston-Cambridge-Newton 42/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 23/100.
- Rental Yield: Phoenix, AZ leads — Boston-Cambridge-Newton 42/100 vs Phoenix, AZ 46/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix, AZ scores higher — 32 vs 27 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Phoenix, AZ more affordable?
Phoenix, AZ is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 5.4 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton and 5.5 in Phoenix, AZ.
Which housing market has stronger momentum, Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Phoenix, AZ?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton has stronger price momentum — 50/100 vs 41/100.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Boston-Cambridge-Newton market brief and the Phoenix, AZ brief.