Example household · Olympia, WA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Phoenix skyline

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Olympia vs Phoenix

Olympia and Phoenix

Photo: Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Phoenix are close to the US rate in this release, 6.6 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Olympia to Phoenix

In 2022-2023, 228 households filed a move from Olympia to Phoenix (about 418 people, average adjusted gross income $69,390). 157 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,552 in Olympia and $1,277 in Phoenix. Olympia has no state tax on wages. Phoenix has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Phoenix is 97% of the national level for the same work, against 105% in Olympia.

Phoenix averages 299 sunny days, with July highs around 106°F and January nights around 46°F. Olympia is 156 sunny days, 82°F in July, 35°F in January. Commutes average 26 minutes in Phoenix and 26 in Olympia.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 228 households moved Olympia → Phoenix (about 418 people, average AGI $69,390). 157 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Olympia and Phoenix changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 1,326 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$3,050–$5,700
Container or pod
$2,150–$4,050
Rent a truck
$1,250–$2,300

Movers in Phoenix and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Phoenix cheaper than Olympia after tax and rent?

Yes. Phoenix leaves about $206 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,552 in Olympia and $1,277 in Phoenix.

Does Phoenix have state income tax?

Phoenix is in Arizona, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Olympia to Phoenix?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.