Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Yakima, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.4% more expensive than Yakima, WA. This translates to spending an extra $182 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Yakima, WA, you'd need approximately $152,184.087 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 2.1% more expensive than in Yakima, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,053/month in Yakima, WA.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $182 more per month than Yakima, WA, or $2184 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Yakima, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $182/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$182

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.2K

Per year

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

Yakima, WA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$290K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$414K

Yakima, WA

The Evergreen State

97K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 97K 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: Yakima, WA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Yakima, WA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,463/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $215more	14.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,693/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $204less	12.1%
🏥Healthcare	$778/mo	$589/mo	↓ $190less	24.4%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$561/mo	↑ $107more	23.6%
🏠Housing	$2,732/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $56.55more	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$963/mo	↓ $55.76less	5.5%

📦Other

↑ 14.7%

Yakima, WA

$1,463

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$215

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.1%

Yakima, WA

$1,693

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$204

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 24.4%

Yakima, WA

$778

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$190

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.6%

Yakima, WA

$454

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$107

🏠Housing

↑ 2.1%

Yakima, WA

$2,732

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$56.55

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Yakima, WA

$1,019

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$55.76

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$796

To$1,390

↑ $594

1 Bed

From$803

To$1,510

↑ $707

2 Bed

From$1,053

To$1,750

↑ $697

3 Bed

From$1,463

To$2,330

↑ $867

Yakima, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,060/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Yakima, WA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$71.04

Difference

Home Values

Yakima

Phoenix

$290K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +25.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$290K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 43% more expensive than Yakima

Calculate payment - Yakima 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

Yakima, 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

Yakima, 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.