Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Bellingham, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 8.9% cheaper than Bellingham, WA. This translates to saving $668 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellingham, WA, you'd need approximately $141,978.097 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 37.6% cheaper than in Bellingham, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,002/month in Bellingham, WA.

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

Moving from Bellingham, WA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $668 per month, or $8022 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bellingham, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Bellingham, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $668/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$668

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.0K

Per year

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

Bellingham, WA

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$639K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$414K

Bellingham, WA

The Evergreen State

95K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 95K 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: Bellingham, WA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Bellingham, WA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,468/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,679less	37.6%
📦Other	$1,301/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $376more	28.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $238more	19.0%
⚡All Utilities	$390/mo	$561/mo	↑ $171more	43.8%
🛒Groceries	$876/mo	$963/mo	↑ $87.39more	10.0%
🏥Healthcare	$669/mo	$589/mo	↓ $80.20less	12.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.6%

Bellingham, WA

$4,468

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,679

less

📦Other

↑ 28.9%

Bellingham, WA

$1,301

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$376

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.0%

Bellingham, WA

$1,251

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$238

⚡All Utilities

↑ 43.8%

Bellingham, WA

$390

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$171

🛒Groceries

↑ 10.0%

Bellingham, WA

$876

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$87.39

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.0%

Bellingham, WA

$669

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$80.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$815

To$1,390

↑ $575

1 Bed

From$831

To$1,510

↑ $679

2 Bed

From$1,002

To$1,750

↑ $748

3 Bed

From$1,394

To$2,330

↑ $936

Bellingham, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,460–$1,510/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.

$8,955

Monthly in Bellingham, WA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$887

Difference

Home Values

Bellingham

Phoenix

$639K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$630K - $649K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 35% less expensive than Bellingham

Calculate payment - Bellingham 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

Bellingham, 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

Bellingham, 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.