Washington, DC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC and Phoenix, AZ. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Washington, DC
DC
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 111.3
- Housing RPP
- 156.3
- Goods RPP
- 107.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,045/mo
DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.7
- Housing RPP
- 122.9
- Goods RPP
- 98.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,877/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Phoenix, AZ is cheaper than Washington, DC by about 6.8% (RPP 111.3 to 103.7).
$60,000 in Washington, DC
-> $55,903
in Phoenix, AZ
$100,000 in Washington, DC
-> $93,172
in Phoenix, AZ
$150,000 in Washington, DC
-> $139,757
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 Washington, DC?
- Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 6.8%.
- What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?
- You would need approximately $93,172 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (103.7 / 111.3).