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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

24.0% Seattle, WA is more expensive overall
47.2% 47.2% more expensive housing
10.2% 10.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.2% more
Phoenix
106
Seattle
156
🛒 Groceries 10.2% more
Phoenix
98
Seattle
108
🚗 Transportation 16.8% more
Phoenix
101
Seattle
118
🏥 Healthcare 15.8% more
Phoenix
95
Seattle
110
⚡ Utilities 15.7% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Seattle
91

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Seattle, WA Difference
Overall Cost Index10012424.0% more
Housing10615647.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$2,05060.2% more
Median Home Price$370,000$780,000110.8% more
Groceries9810810.2% more
Transportation10111816.8% more
Healthcare9511015.8% more
Utilities1089115.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Seattle, WA
State Income Tax2.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.60%6.50%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.84%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
Median household income
Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Seattle outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Seattle to maintain your Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Seattle (124). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Seattle3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Seattle3.8%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Seattle30 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Seattle73
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Seattle40
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Seattle52°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Seattle749,256

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix and Seattle → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Seattle →

Compare Other Cities

Phoenix vs Austin → Phoenix vs Denver → Phoenix vs Nashville → Seattle vs Raleigh → Seattle vs Portland → Seattle vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Seattle cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 47.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Seattle?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $2,050/month in Seattle — a difference of about $770 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Seattle?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Phoenix to Seattle?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 compared to $110,000 in Seattle. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Phoenix vs Seattle?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $780,000 in Seattle — a difference of $410,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Washington averages 0.84%.