City vs city
Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
- Rent is 28% lower in Phoenix (median $1,582/mo vs $2,030/mo in Seattle).
- Homes cost 123% less in Phoenix ($421k vs $939k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $309 more a month after taxes and rent in Phoenix.
- Seattle has no state income tax on wages; Phoenix does.
- Schools rate higher in Seattle (8.6/10 vs 1.9/10).
- Phoenix has milder winters (56°F vs 42°F average).
- Phoenix gets more sun (299 vs 152 sunny days a year).
| Phoenix | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,582/mo | $2,030/mo |
| Median home value | $421k | $939k |
| Median household income | $81k | $124k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,412 | $3,103 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 1.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.9× the US rate | 2.0× the US rate |
| Summer average | 107°F | 77°F |
| Winter average | 56°F | 42°F |
| Sunny days a year | 299 | 152 |
| Walk score | 41 | 74 |
| Population | 1,642,323 | 754,195 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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