Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Phoenix is 56% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,458/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 72%
$77,041/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 109%
$381,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 215%
$1,430/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 81%
1,624,832
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,047/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $12,564/year.

Median household income is $84,259/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Phoenix or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Bellevue?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,047/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Bellevue?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $84,259/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Bellevue details →

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