Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Auburn, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 6.7% cheaper than Auburn, WA. This translates to saving $504 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Auburn, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Auburn, WA, you'd need approximately $143,947.185 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Auburn, WA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 7.1% cheaper than in Auburn, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,798/month in Auburn, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Auburn, WA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Auburn, WA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $504 per month, or $6053 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Auburn, WA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Auburn, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Auburn, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $504/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$504

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Auburn, WA

Population:84K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$479K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$414K

Auburn, WA

The Evergreen State

84K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 84K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Auburn, WA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Auburn, WA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,859/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $370less	19.9%
🏥Healthcare	$815/mo	$589/mo	↓ $227less	27.8%
🏠Housing	$3,000/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $212less	7.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,068/mo	$963/mo	↓ $105less	9.8%
⚡All Utilities	$476/mo	$561/mo	↑ $85.37more	17.9%
📦Other	$1,606/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $71.08more	4.4%

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Auburn, WA

$1,859

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$370

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 27.8%

Auburn, WA

$815

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$227

less

🏠Housing

↓ 7.1%

Auburn, WA

$3,000

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$212

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.8%

Auburn, WA

$1,068

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.9%

Auburn, WA

$476

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$85.37

📦Other

↑ 4.4%

Auburn, WA

$1,606

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$71.08

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,498

To$1,390

↓ $108

1 Bed

From$1,540

To$1,510

↓ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,798

To$1,750

↓ $48.00

3 Bed

From$2,372

To$2,330

↓ $42.00

Auburn, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,824

Monthly in Auburn, WA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$757

Difference

Home Values

Auburn

Phoenix

$479K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +24.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$479K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 14% less expensive than Auburn

Calculate payment - Auburn Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Auburn, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Auburn, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.