Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 103.3 in Phoenix, AZ in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 5.4% more expensive than Phoenix; housing rents differ by 25% (151.1 vs 121.2). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $71,165 buys in Phoenix, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Washington | Phoenix | Washington vs Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 103.3 | +5.4% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 95.0 | +10.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 121.2 | +24.7% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 93.3 | +14.3% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 104.0 | -1.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 105.7 | +8.6% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in Phoenix | $47,443 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in Phoenix | $94,886 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in Phoenix | $142,329 |
Related
- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA vs US average (2024)
- Cost of living: Portland, OR vs Pittsburgh, PA (2024)
- Cost of living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Providence, RI (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.