Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Burien, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 36.3% cheaper than Burien, WA. This translates to saving $2721 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Burien, WA, you'd need approximately $117,353.351 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 56.3% cheaper than in Burien, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,745/month in Burien, WA.

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

Moving from Burien, WA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2721 per month, or $32647 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Burien, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.4K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 36.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,721

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.6K

Per year

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

Burien, WA

Population:51K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$668K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$414K

Burien, WA

The Evergreen State

51K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 51K 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: Burien, WA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Burien, WA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,386/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $3,598less	56.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,788/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $299less	16.7%
🏥Healthcare	$800/mo	$589/mo	↓ $211less	26.4%
📦Other	$1,860/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $182less	9.8%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$561/mo	↑ $94.59more	20.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$963/mo	↓ $83.89less	8.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.3%

Burien, WA

$6,386

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$3,598

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.7%

Burien, WA

$1,788

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$299

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.4%

Burien, WA

$800

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$211

less

📦Other

↓ 9.8%

Burien, WA

$1,860

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$182

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.3%

Burien, WA

$467

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$94.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.0%

Burien, WA

$1,047

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$83.89

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,449

To$1,390

↓ $59.00

1 Bed

From$1,497

To$1,510

↑ $13.00

2 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,750

↑ $5.00

3 Bed

From$2,281

To$2,330

↑ $49.00

Burien, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,870–$1,870/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.

$12,347

Monthly in Burien, WA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$4,279

Difference

Home Values

Burien

Phoenix

$668K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +19.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$668K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 38% less expensive than Burien

Calculate payment - Burien 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

Burien, 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

Burien, 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.