Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Moses Lake, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 6.3% more expensive than Moses Lake, WA. This translates to spending an extra $469 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Moses Lake, WA, you'd need approximately $155,629.988 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 17.9% more expensive than in Moses Lake, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,288/month in Moses Lake, WA.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $469 more per month than Moses Lake, WA, or $5630 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Moses Lake, WA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Moses Lake, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Spokane, WA area

Current salary in Moses Lake, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $469/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$469

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Moses Lake, WA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$359K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$414K

Moses Lake, WA

The Evergreen State

26K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 26K 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: Moses Lake, WA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Moses Lake, WA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,941/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $452less	23.3%
🏠Housing	$2,365/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $424more	17.9%
🏥Healthcare	$833/mo	$589/mo	↓ $245less	29.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,091/mo	$963/mo	↓ $128less	11.7%
📦Other	$1,575/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $103more	6.5%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$561/mo	↑ $74.98more	15.4%

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.3%

Moses Lake, WA

$1,941

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$452

less

🏠Housing

↑ 17.9%

Moses Lake, WA

$2,365

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$424

🏥Healthcare

↓ 29.4%

Moses Lake, WA

$833

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$245

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.7%

Moses Lake, WA

$1,091

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$128

less

📦Other

↑ 6.5%

Moses Lake, WA

$1,575

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$103

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.4%

Moses Lake, WA

$486

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$74.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$971

To$1,390

↑ $419

1 Bed

From$981

To$1,510

↑ $529

2 Bed

From$1,288

To$1,750

↑ $462

3 Bed

From$1,789

To$2,330

↑ $541

Moses Lake, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$960/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.

$8,291

Monthly in Moses Lake, WA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$223

Difference

Home Values

Moses Lake

Phoenix

$359K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +35.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$359K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 15% more expensive than Moses Lake

Calculate payment - Moses Lake 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

Moses Lake, 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

Moses Lake, 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.