Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Arizona runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $121,984 in Washington — about 37% higher in Washington. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6.5%
+0.9 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
None
+2.5 pp in Arizona
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,858
+48% in Washington
Median Home Value
$364,300
$912,100
+150% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$121,984
+58% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
53.5°F
+21.6°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Washington?
- Arizona is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,253 runs about 33% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Washington?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Washington — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.