Seattle, WA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Seattle, WA and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Seattle, WA
WA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 148.2
- Goods RPP
- 103.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,100/mo
Washington has no state income tax. Sales tax 6.5%+local up to 10.5%.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.4
- Housing RPP
- 112.8
- Goods RPP
- 100.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,480/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper than Seattle, WA by about 10.3% (RPP 115.3 to 103.4).
$60,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $53,807
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $89,679
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in Seattle, WA
-> $134,519
in Phoenix, AZ
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper or more expensive than Seattle, WA?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.4) is cheaper than Seattle, WA (RPP 115.3) by about 10.3%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Seattle, WA?
- You would need approximately $89,679 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Seattle, WA. Formula: $100,000 x (103.4 / 115.3).