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Moving from Arizona to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

AZ state flag
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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
Washington
107.0
Washington has 6.3% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Washington
126.0
Washington has 18% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arizona
100.2
Washington
101.8
Washington has 1.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Washington
101.1
Washington has 0.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 7.6% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Washington
101.4
Washington has 1.3% higher transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 41% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 16% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 25% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 19% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 20% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
286
Washington
152
Washington has 47% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 198% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
48
Washington
39
Washington has 19% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 190% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaWashington 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 Washington than Arizona?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Washington?

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

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