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Phoenix vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Phoenix, AZ | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 103.3 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $69,630 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $51,380 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $67,395 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $56,468 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $448,352 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $84,703 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 4,941,206 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
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Equivalent salary: Phoenix to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Phoenix to Washington, multiply your salary by 1.054.
| Salary in Phoenix | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Phoenix | $52,695 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Phoenix | $79,042 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Phoenix | $105,389 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Phoenix | $158,084 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Phoenix | $210,779 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Phoenix and Washington
| Job | Phoenix | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $132,100 | $163,620 | $127,860 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $93,310 | $113,390 | $90,315 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $135,520 | $153,100 | $131,170 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $38,580 | $39,600 | $37,342 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $116,820 | $145,310 | $113,071 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $35,560 | $35,550 | $34,419 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $38,120 | $39,660 | $36,897 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $35,960 | $36,630 | $34,806 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,850 | $39,110 | $35,667 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $161,240 | $226,780 | $156,065 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $101,090 | $104,590 | $97,845 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $53,370 | $51,820 | $51,657 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $145,140 | $176,670 | $140,482 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $90,110 | $113,640 | $87,218 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $41,580 | $54,430 | $40,245 / $49,989 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Phoenix vs Washington: questions
Is Phoenix more expensive than Washington?
No. BEA prices are 103.3 in Phoenix, AZ and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Phoenix?
About $105,389, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Phoenix or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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