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Moving from Washington to Arizona

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

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

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

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

AZ state flag
Moving to

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

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

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

Arizona has an overall price level 100.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Washington
107.0
Arizona
100.7
Arizona has 5.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Arizona
106.8
Arizona has 15% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Washington
101.8
Arizona
100.2
Arizona has 1.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 8.3% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 1.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 29% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,641/mo
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Arizona is 14% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 105°F · Winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Washington
79°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 33% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 23% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 25% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
Arizona
286
Arizona has 88% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 66% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39
Arizona
48
Arizona has 23% higher AQI
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
Arizona
10 in
Arizona is 66% less annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonArizona 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 Arizona than Washington?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington — 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?

Washington tops out at 0% income tax. Arizona tops out at 2.5%.

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

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

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