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Moving from Arizona to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

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Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 9.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 45% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arizona
100.2
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 2.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 60% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 72% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,416/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 36% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 16% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 35% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 7.7% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
286
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 31% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 233% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
48
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 2.1% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 10% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaDistrict of Columbia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia than Arizona?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

Most District of Columbia residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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