Moving from Austin to Phoenix?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Austin lifestyle in Phoenix, you'd need to earn:
$82,526/year
▲ $7,526 more than you make now
| Category | Austin | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $82,526 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$9,770 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$5,117 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,197 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$2,063 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $64,380 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +5.3% in Phoenix
- Housing is +0.7% in Phoenix
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $1,875/year in taxes in Phoenix
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~868 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Austin to Phoenix
| Your Austin Salary | Phoenix Equivalent | Difference | Phoenix Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $43,587 | +$3,587 | $35,971 |
| $50,000 | $54,474 | +$4,474 | $44,447 |
| $60,000 | $65,598 | +$5,598 | $52,894 |
| $75,000 | $82,526 | +$7,526 | $64,380 |
| $100,000 | $109,862 | +$9,862 | $82,927 |
| $150,000 | $164,831 | +$14,831 | $119,294 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Austin and Phoenix Compare
Housing (1% more expensive in Phoenix)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Phoenix rents for $1,195/month compared to $1,549/month in Austin. Median home prices: $460,000 in Phoenix vs $400,000 in Austin.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax. Arizona has a flat 2.5% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Phoenix would cost you about $1,875/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Phoenix's overall cost of living is 5.3% higher than Austin, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Austin: 98.1, Phoenix: 103.3.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Austin to Phoenix move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Phoenix
Average 1BR rent in Phoenix: $1,195/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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