Moving from Washington to Phoenix: The Complete 2026 Guide to Costs, Taxes, Estate Planning & Making the Move

by Eric Ravenscroft

 
The Complete 2026 Relocation Guide

Moving from Washington to Phoenix: everything you need to know about costs, taxes & making the move.

2 hours in the air, a different state of mind — real costs, real tax math, real neighborhoods, and the financial case for going, from a Top 1% Realtor who's guided hundreds of Washington families through this exact move.

Seattle SEA · ORIGIN
1,114 MI · ~2H 15M NONSTOP
Phoenix PHX · ARRIVAL
35%
Lower median rent vs. Washington statewide
2.5%
Arizona flat income tax — Washington has none, but read the estate & capital gains section
$3.08M
Washington's 2026 estate tax exemption — Arizona has no estate tax at all
300+
Sunny days a year, vs. Seattle's ~152 days of measurable rain
SEA
GATE
 
PHX
LAND
Eric Ravenscroft
Eric Ravenscroft, CRS · GRI · ABR
The Ravenscroft Group — Top 1% Nationwide

I've lived in the Pacific Northwest and I know what it means to trade that landscape — the mountains, the water, the evergreen winters — for the Sonoran Desert. It's a real decision, not just a financial spreadsheet. That experience, combined with years as a Director of Wealth Management before real estate, gives me a perspective on this move that most agents simply can't offer: I understand the life you're leaving, and I understand exactly what the numbers say about where you're going.

// LAST UPDATED JUNE 2026 — 2025–2026 COST, TAX & HOUSING DATA
GATESeattle-Tacoma International — Departure

Why so many Washington residents are heading to Phoenix

Arizona has been one of the top relocation destinations for Washington residents for years — and Greater Phoenix is consistently the number-one landing spot. Washington transplants arrive from every corner of the state: Seattle and the Eastside tech corridor, Tacoma, Olympia, and Spokane on the eastern side of the Cascades. This isn't a trend. It's a structural shift.

The reasons are rarely one-dimensional. It's usually a convergence of financial pressure, climate fatigue, and genuine opportunity:

01

Housing affordability

Seattle's median home sits near $850,000, Bellevue near $1.3M. Phoenix's median is around $408,000 — a fundamentally different starting point.

02

Estate & capital gains planning

Washington has a 7%–9.9% capital gains tax and an estate tax up to 35%. Arizona has neither a separate capital gains tax nor any estate tax at all.

03

The rain

Seattle averages roughly 152 days a year with measurable rain. Phoenix averages over 300 sunny days. For many transplants, this alone is the deciding factor.

04

Lower day-to-day costs

Groceries, utilities, healthcare, and dining all run meaningfully cheaper in Phoenix than in the Seattle metro, even before housing is factored in.

05

Business climate

Arizona's pro-growth, lower-regulation environment has attracted TSMC, Intel, and a fast-growing tech and semiconductor sector of its own.

06

Career growth

Phoenix's job market grew over 30% in the last decade — one of only four large U.S. metros to do so. Tech, healthcare, and finance are all booming.

07

Family & schools

Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek rank among the nation's best for families — strong schools and space without Eastside Seattle pricing.

08

Year-round outdoor life

Trade rain gear for trail shoes. Saguaro National Park, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon are all within driving distance, with hiking nearly every month.

09

Still a major metro

Phoenix is the 5th-largest city in America. World-class dining, pro sports, arts, and live music — not a compromise on urban life.

"Most of my Washington clients aren't fleeing high income taxes — Washington doesn't have one. They're planning around something different: capital gains exposure on Amazon and Microsoft equity, and an estate tax that can catch families who never thought of themselves as 'estate tax' people."

— Eric Ravenscroft, Former Director of Wealth Management
10K FT10,000 Feet — The Numbers Don't Lie

Full cost-of-living comparison: Washington vs. Greater Phoenix

Based on 2025–2026 data. Monthly estimates for a family of four or couple living a comparable lifestyle, weighted toward the Seattle metro since that's where most Washington-to-Phoenix movers originate.

Monthly Expense Washington (Seattle Metro) Greater Phoenix Savings
Housing (median rent) $2,406 $1,556 $850
Mortgage (20% down, 6.5%) $2,903 $2,061 $842
Groceries (2 people/wk) $120 $100 $80/mo
Transportation / gas $5.00/gal $4.00/gal ~$20–40/mo
Utilities $200–300 $150–450* Varies seasonally
Healthcare premiums ~$600 ~$450 $150
Childcare (full-time) $1,800–2,500 $1,200–1,500 Up to $1,000
Dining out (2 people) $50–75 $35–50 ~$50/mo
Est. total monthly essentials $4,746 $3,523 $1,223/mo

*Phoenix summer electric bills (Jun–Sep) can run $300–500/mo due to AC — the one category where Phoenix can exceed Seattle. Data via Livably.net Washington-to-Phoenix cost index and Salary.com cost-of-living comparisons, 2026.

📍 An honest note on salary

Washington's median household income (~$106,287) runs well above Phoenix's (~$77,041). On a pure cost-index basis, you'd need roughly $88,431/year in Phoenix to match the purchasing power of the Washington median — meaning this move works best when paired with remote work that lets you keep a Washington-level paycheck, a home sale that converts Seattle-area equity into Phoenix cash, or a career move into one of Phoenix's fast-growing sectors. The math is still compelling — see the Wealth Lens section below for why.

Where you're starting from matters: city-by-city comparison

Washington is not a single market. The financial case for this move looks meaningfully different depending on whether you're coming from Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, or Vancouver — and so does the lifestyle contrast with Phoenix.

Your Starting City Median Home Price Median Rent (1BR) Equity Released to Phoenix Vibe Contrast with Phoenix
Seattle ~$850,000 ~$2,400/mo Buy comparable Phoenix home + $300K+ liquid Urban → Urban (Scottsdale / Tempe)
Bellevue / Eastside ~$1,300,000 ~$2,800/mo Buy upgraded Scottsdale home + $400K+ liquid Affluent suburb → Scottsdale North / Gilbert
Spokane ~$350,000 ~$1,400/mo Roughly comparable trade; lifestyle and tax gains dominate Mid-size city → Chandler / Mesa
Vancouver, WA ~$470,000 ~$1,800/mo Modest equity gain; housing cost delta meaningful Suburban → West Valley / Peoria
Greater Phoenix ~$408,000 ~$1,556/mo Destination 300+ sunny days, growing metro

Home price data: Zillow / Redfin metro medians, mid-2025. Rent data: Rentometer / Apartments.com averages, 2026. Equity release estimates assume 20% original down payment and approximate remaining mortgage balance.

20K FT20,000 Feet — The Tax Picture Is Different Than You Think

Washington has no income tax. So why does this matter so much?

This is the one place where the Washington-to-Phoenix conversation looks completely different from, say, a California-to-Phoenix move. Washington has no general state income tax — so you won't see a dramatic income-tax-rate headline here. But Washington has two other taxes that catch many residents off guard, especially those with home equity, investment portfolios, or significant net worth: a capital gains excise tax and one of the most aggressive estate taxes in the country.

Washington's capital gains tax vs. Arizona's flat rate

Washington taxes long-term capital gains above a $270K+ annual threshold. Arizona taxes all capital gains at its flat 2.5% rate — no separate excise tax.

GAINS UP TO $278,000
0%
EXEMPT IN WASHINGTON
$278,000–$1,000,000
7%
WASHINGTON RATE
ABOVE $1,000,000
9.9%
WASHINGTON RATE

For comparison: a Washington resident with a $1.5M long-term capital gain (stock options, business sale, investment property) could owe roughly $120,000+ in Washington capital gains tax alone. In Arizona, that same gain is taxed at the flat 2.5% rate — about $37,500. Real estate, retirement accounts, and qualified family business interests are exempt from Washington's capital gains tax, which is worth noting if your wealth is concentrated there — but for equity compensation, RSUs, and stock sales common among Seattle-area tech employees, the exposure is real.

The estate tax most people don't see coming

  • Washington's 2026 estate tax exemption is $3,076,000 per person — and it is not portable between spouses, meaning each spouse must use their own exemption or lose it.
  • Rates run from 10% up to 35% on taxable Washington estates — among the highest top estate tax rates in the nation.
  • A home, retirement accounts, and a business interest add up faster than most families expect — especially in the Seattle metro, where home equity alone can approach the threshold.
  • Arizona has no estate tax and no inheritance tax at all — and hasn't since 2006. Combined with the federal exemption of roughly $15M per person (2026), most Arizona estates pass with zero state-level transfer tax.

⚠ This isn't just a "wealthy person" issue

A surprising number of Washington families cross the $3.076M estate tax threshold without realizing it — a paid-off Eastside home, a 401(k), and a life insurance policy can get there faster than expected. If your household net worth is approaching seven figures, this is worth a real conversation before you assume Washington's "no income tax" reputation means there's nothing to plan around.

30K FT30,000 Feet — Into the Valley

Greater Phoenix neighborhoods: who they're best for

"Phoenix" isn't one place. The metro spans 14,500+ square miles and dozens of distinct communities, each with its own character and price point.

Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale
Camelback Mountain Phoenix Arizona
Camelback Mtn.
Chandler Arizona neighborhood
Chandler
Sonoran Desert Arizona sunset
Sonoran Desert
Scottsdale
Luxury / Resort
The closest thing to a Bellevue-meets-resort experience in the Valley — dining, golf, art, Old Town nightlife. North Scottsdale is quieter; Old Town is more vibrant.
$600K–3M+
Gilbert
Best for families
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in America. Excellent schools, parks, and a genuinely welcoming downtown community.
$480K–750K
Chandler
Tech hub / Family
Home to Intel's chip fabs and a booming tech corridor — a natural landing spot for Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing transplants. Great schools, exploding downtown scene.
$450K–700K
Tempe
Urban / Young pros
Home to ASU, Tempe Town Lake, and Mill Avenue. Walkable, light-rail connected — the most urban-feeling suburb in the Valley.
$400K–650K
Peoria
Affordable West Valley
One of the fastest-growing corridors in the metro. New construction, Lake Pleasant recreation, and very accessible price points for Washington transplants.
$380K–550K
Buckeye
Best value / New build
The most active new-construction market in the metro. Brand-new 4–5BR homes at prices that buy a one-bedroom in Bellevue.
$340K–520K
Downtown Phoenix
Urban core
Roosevelt Row arts district, Chase Field, Footprint Center, light-rail connected. City energy without coastal prices.
$350K–750K
Mesa
All-around value
Arizona's third-largest city with wide variety — Mesa Arts Center, Usery Mountain trails, affordable housing, great freeway access.
$380K–580K

Median home prices as of mid-2025. Source: The Cromford Report / Phoenix Metro Home Search.

35K FT35,000 Feet — Economic Opportunity

Phoenix's job market: not a step down from Seattle

One of the biggest fears Washington transplants have is leaving behind one of the strongest tech economies in the country for something smaller. The data tells a more nuanced story — Greater Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing, most diversified job markets in the U.S., and it's increasingly home to the same companies Washingtonians already work for.

Top industries & employers

  • Semiconductors: TSMC's North Phoenix fab, Intel's Chandler campus, and over $200 billion in semiconductor investment since 2020, per the Greater Phoenix Economic Council — directly competing with the Puget Sound's hardware and chip ecosystem.
  • Big tech, already here: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Meta all have meaningful Phoenix-area operations — for some Washington employees, this move is an internal transfer, not a career change.
  • Financial services: Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, American Express, State Farm, and Zelle — 73,000+ jobs across 853 companies.
  • Healthcare & bioscience: Banner Health, HonorHealth, and the Phoenix Bioscience Core driving 30% projected growth to 2030.
  • Aerospace & defense: Arizona has the 4th-highest concentration of aerospace jobs nationally — Boeing, Raytheon, Honeywell, L3Harris, a natural fit for Puget Sound aerospace talent.
  • Remote work: Keep your Washington-level salary while living in Phoenix and your purchasing power jumps significantly — arguably the single best move for remote-eligible tech and corporate employees.

The Remote Work & Equity Comp Arbitrage

If you can keep your Washington-level salary while establishing Arizona residency, you get the cost-of-living gap working in your favor without taking a pay cut. And if your compensation includes meaningful equity — RSUs, stock options, or an upcoming liquidity event — timing that vesting or sale after you've established Arizona residency, rather than while still domiciled in Washington, is worth a serious conversation with a tax professional given Washington's capital gains exposure above $278K.

Cruise — Run Your Own Numbers

See exactly what this move does to your monthly budget

The numbers above are averages. Yours are specific. Use these free tools to model your real mortgage payment, see whether buying beats renting, and project your home's value over time.

01 / MORTGAGE

Mortgage Calculator

Enter a Phoenix-area price and down payment to see your real monthly payment — taxes, insurance, and HOA included.

Calculate Payment →
02 / RENT VS. BUY

Rent vs. Buy

Should you buy right away or rent a year first? Factors in timeline, down payment, and local appreciation.

Compare Options →
03 / APPRECIATION

Appreciation Calculator

Project what a Phoenix home could be worth in 5, 10, or 20 years based on historical Valley appreciation.

Project Value →

Want to walk through these numbers applied to your income, home price, and timeline? That's what a strategy call is for.

Book a Strategy Call →
 
 
 
DESCENTBeginning Descent — Almost There

The financial lens: how this move changes your net worth

"Most real estate agents will show you the house. Very few will show you what buying that house does to your balance sheet over the next 10 years — and fewer still connect it to your capital gains exposure, your estate plan, and your retirement trajectory."

— Eric Ravenscroft, Former Director of Wealth Management

Before real estate, I spent years as a Director of Wealth Management — modeling financial scenarios and helping clients make decisions that compound over time. That background shapes how I look at a relocation like this one, especially for Washington clients whose wealth is often concentrated in home equity and tech equity comp.

Most people frame this move as lifestyle. I want you to also see it for what it is financially: a meaningful capital allocation decision — one that can both unlock home equity and reduce long-term tax exposure on the wealth you've already built.

Scenario A — The home equity reset

Sell in Bellevue, buy in Scottsdale

3BR home, comparable upgrade
Home sale price (Bellevue)$1,300,000
After mortgage payoff + closing~$850,000 proceeds
New home purchase (Scottsdale)$800,000
Remaining cash after purchase~$50,000 liquid
Net ImpactComparable or upgraded home + freed equity

Scenario B — Annual savings, compounded

Dual income, $300K combined

Renting in Seattle → owning in Phoenix
Housing cost$2,900/mo$2,061/mo
Day-to-day essentials$4,746/mo$3,523/mo
Total freed cash$1,200–1,900+/mo
Invested @ 8% / 10 yrs+$220,000–350,000 wealth

Scenario C — The equity comp arbitrage (Amazon / Microsoft / Boeing)

Tech employee, $600K RSU vest upcoming

Timing residency change before vs. after vesting
RSU vest value$600,000
Washington capital gains tax (7%, above $278K threshold)~$22,540
Arizona capital gains tax (2.5% flat on all gains)~$15,000
State-level tax difference on this single event~$7,540 saved
On a $1M+ vest or sale eventWA tax: ~$50,540 vs. AZ: ~$25,000 — difference of $25,000+

⚠ Timing matters more than you think

Washington's capital gains tax applies to gains realized while you are a Washington resident. If you establish Arizona residency before a major vest, stock sale, or liquidity event, those gains are taxed at Arizona's 2.5% flat rate instead. This is not a loophole — it's straightforward tax residency planning. But the timing window is critical: residency changes take time to document and verify, and attempting to back-date them after the event is both legally problematic and heavily scrutinized. If you have a meaningful equity event on the horizon, this conversation should happen well in advance. Consult a CPA or tax attorney familiar with Washington's capital gains rules before acting.

Scenario D — Remote work, full purchasing power unlocked

Keep Seattle salary, live in Phoenix

Remote-eligible employee, comparable role
Annual salary (Seattle-market rate)$180,000
Monthly housing (Seattle vs. Phoenix)$2,900/mo$2,061/mo
Monthly day-to-day essentials$4,746/mo$3,523/mo
Monthly freed cash$1,200–1,900+/mo
Annual purchasing power gain+$14,400–22,800/yr — without a raise or job change

Money that stays in your pocket — instead of going to Washington's capital gains exposure, estate tax risk, and Seattle-area home costs — can be invested, deployed into Arizona real estate, or used to simplify your estate plan. The compounding effect of even $1,200–1,900/month over 10 years, combined with materially lower estate and capital gains tax exposure, adds up to a meaningfully stronger financial position.

Estate tax planning: the conversation most advisors skip

Washington's estate tax is one of the most consequential yet underappreciated financial factors for households with meaningful net worth — and it deserves its own section, because most WA→AZ relocation content doesn't go here at all.

Factor Washington Arizona
Estate tax Yes — up to 35% top rate (as of 2025–2026) None. Repealed in 2006.
2026 exemption per person $3,076,000 — effectively frozen, not inflation-adjusted Federal only: $15M per person (2026)
Portability between spouses Not available in Washington Federal portability applies — $30M combined
Tax on amount above exemption 10% to 35% progressive brackets Federal only — kicks in above $15M
Who it catches by surprise Paid-off home + retirement accounts + business interests often exceed $3M threshold The vast majority of households owe $0 state estate tax

"A Washington family with a paid-off Eastside home worth $1.4M, a combined $1.1M in retirement accounts, a $600K brokerage, and a life insurance policy has an estate that already exceeds the per-person exemption — with no portability between spouses. Most of those families have no idea."

— Eric Ravenscroft, Former Director of Wealth Management

The credit shelter trust problem in Washington

Because Washington's estate tax exemption is not portable between spouses, married couples must use careful planning — typically a credit shelter trust (also called an A/B or bypass trust) — to protect both spouses' exemptions. Without it, when the surviving spouse dies, only one $3.076M exemption applies to the entire combined estate. Arizona has no estate tax, so this planning challenge simply disappears when you establish Arizona domicile. Your estate attorney's job becomes meaningfully simpler.

What Arizona domicile actually changes for your estate

Once you're an Arizona resident, Washington's estate tax no longer applies to your estate (with some exceptions for Washington real estate or business interests still held there — sell or restructure those separately). Your estate planning shifts to federal-only exposure, with a $15M per-person exemption (2026, permanent under the OBBBA). For most Washington households, this means going from meaningful state estate tax exposure to zero state estate tax exposure — a structural change worth modeling with your estate attorney before and after the move.

A Note From Eric

When I sit down with Washington clients considering this move, I'm not just thinking about square footage and school districts. I'm modeling what happens to their net worth at year 3, 5, and 10 — what happens to their estate exposure, when equity comp vests relative to residency changes, and how freed capital gets redeployed. That's the lens a former Director of Wealth Management brings to a real estate transaction. If you want that conversation for your specific situation, that's exactly what I'm here for.

APPR.Final Approach

The move timeline: 6 months before to 90 days after

The logistics can feel overwhelming, especially for a 1,100+ mile move that often means flying rather than driving. Here's a practical timeline to make it manageable.

6 MO
BEFORE

Research & decide

Visit Phoenix in different seasons, especially summer. Narrow target neighborhoods by commute, schools, and lifestyle. Research relocation-savvy AZ agents and get pre-approved for a mortgage.

4 MO
BEFORE

Tax & estate planning prep

Consult a CPA or estate attorney familiar with WA-to-AZ moves. Review your capital gains exposure on any pending equity vesting or stock sales, and revisit your estate plan in light of Washington's $3.076M threshold. Open an AZ bank account.

3 MO
BEFORE

Logistics & contracts

For a 1,100+ mile move, most households ship belongings via long-haul movers and fly rather than drive. Book DOT-licensed movers 8–12 weeks ahead, especially May–Aug. Budget $3,000–8,000 depending on home size and distance.

30 DAYS
BEFORE

Legal transition

Start USPS mail forwarding, notify your employer, update accounts. Plan AZ vehicle registration (15-day window) and check emissions exemptions. Set up utilities at your new home.

MOVE
DAY

Touchdown

Whether you fly or drive the I-84/I-15 route through Oregon, Nevada, and into Arizona, keep documentation of your arrival date — it matters for establishing Arizona residency and timing any pending capital gains or equity events correctly.

30 DAYS
AFTER

Establish AZ domicile

Get your AZ driver's license immediately — the single most important step. Register to vote, register vehicles, open local accounts. Document everything.

90 DAYS
AFTER

You're home

Utilities, subscriptions, insurance, and professional relationships should be fully transitioned. Revisit your estate plan with an Arizona-licensed attorney now that you're no longer subject to Washington's estate tax. By now, most people say Phoenix feels like home.

FINALFinal Descent — Eyes Open

Things to be fully aware of before you go

This guide won't soft-pedal the challenges. Phoenix is a genuinely great place to live — but it's a completely different climate and culture than Washington, and some adjustments are real.

Heat

The summer heat is the real adjustment

100+ consecutive days above 100°F; July/August regularly hit 115°F+. This is a far bigger shift than anything in the Puget Sound's mild summers. Most activity shifts to early morning or evening, and AC adds $300–500/mo to summer bills. The flip side: Oct–April is some of the best weather in the country — and a welcome break from Seattle's gray winters.

Driving

You will need a car

Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Old Town Scottsdale offer some walkability, but the metro is built around the automobile — nothing like Seattle's bus and light-rail network. Budget for a reliable, well-AC'd vehicle.

Mountains

Different kind of nature

No Puget Sound, no evergreen forests, no Cascades ski access at your doorstep. Flagstaff (2.5 hrs north) offers pine forests and winter snow if you need that fix, and Sedona's red rocks are a different but equally striking landscape.

Weather

Monsoon season

July–September brings dramatic thunderstorms, dust storms (haboobs), and flash floods — nothing like Seattle's steady drizzle. Roads can flood fast — never drive through flooded roads. Learn the safety protocols and embrace the drama.

Wildlife

Desert wildlife

Scorpions, rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, javelinas, and coyotes are part of desert living, especially near preserves. Monthly pest control is normal, not optional. None of it is dangerous if you're educated.

Schools

School quality varies by neighborhood

Gilbert, Chandler, and parts of Scottsdale have excellent districts; others are mixed. Research the district, not just the city — Arizona's charter system adds strong options elsewhere.

Water

Water-scarcity awareness

Arizona is managing long-term water sustainability, including reduced Colorado River allocations — a real contrast to Washington's water abundance. Phoenix has invested heavily in infrastructure, but it's worth understanding, especially for land or irrigation-heavy properties.

HOA

HOA culture is strong

Many newer-build suburbs are HOA-governed — rules on paint, landscaping, parking. Review HOA docs carefully and budget $50–300+/mo in fees.

Touchdown — Recent Arrivals

Client wins: out-of-state to Phoenix

A few recent closings for clients who made a long-distance move to Greater Phoenix — keys in hand, escrow closed, dream secured. See more client wins & case studies →

Peoria, AZ
Out-of-State Relocation
Client win Peoria AZ
Glendale, AZ
New Construction
Client win Glendale AZ
Goodyear, AZ
22-Yr CA Homeowner
Client win Goodyear AZ
Buckeye, AZ
Out-of-State Relocation
Client win Buckeye AZ
Arrivals

What Washington clients say after making the move

Real reviews from Washington clients who made this exact move to Greater Phoenix. Read more testimonials → or see all reviews on Google →

★★★★★

"We couldn't be happier with Eric and his services. We moved to Arizona and Eric was highly referred by our real estate agent in Washington State. His attention to detail, true understanding of the valley and pure focus on our needs is on point. We weren't familiar with the valley, so trying to figure out great neighborhoods to build community and raise children was a challenge. He listened to our needs and presented options including new builds. Eric stuck with us and held our hand through the new build process — he even helped blue tape the house during the final walk-through. Above all that he helped us negotiate a sweet deal! If you're looking for someone with vast knowledge of the entire valley who is transparent, listens, and will go to bat for you in tough negotiations, Eric is your guy."

Jude Erum
Verified Google Review — Referred by WA Agent, Relocated to Arizona
★★★★★

"Working with Eric was an outstanding experience from start to finish. As out-of-state buyers, we relied heavily on his market expertise, and his insights — both at the location level and the individual property level — were consistently thoughtful, data-driven, and candid. Our search took several months and required a hybrid, largely remote process. Throughout that time, Eric was proactive, detail-oriented, and highly responsive. Where Eric truly distinguished himself was during the transaction itself. We encountered a particularly challenging mortgage process, and he worked tirelessly to ensure our interests were protected at every step. He was a strong advocate, navigated complexity with professionalism, and never lost sight of our end goals."

WanderInn
Verified Google Review — Out-of-State Investment Buyers
★★★★★

"If you are buying a property in the Phoenix area, use Eric with the Ravenscroft Group! I bought a property as an out-of-state buyer without having been to the area. Eric was a wealth of knowledge and steered me in the right direction many times to help me accomplish my goals. By far the best experience I have ever had with a real estate agent. Buy with the Ravenscroft Group — they will not let you down!"

Tyler W.
Verified Google Review — Out-of-State Buyer
★★★★★

"We had an outstanding experience working with Eric to purchase our short-term rental in Scottsdale. He took the time to educate us on the entire process, helped us define clear investment criteria, and guided us on what to look for to meet our specific goals. He was incredibly fair and never pushy — always offering thoughtful guidance while fully respecting our priorities. Beyond the purchase itself, he went above and beyond by connecting us with trusted vendors for property management and STR-specific needs, and by sharing valuable insights into the local market. We would absolutely work with him again and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor who is both strategic and genuinely supportive."

Wilson Li
Verified Google Review — Out-of-State STR Investor
★★★★★

"Eric is a fantastic realtor and all-around great guy. He did an extensive search over 8 months to find a house that fit our needs. Throughout it all he always had our best interest in mind and was great at communicating the reasons a property might not be the right fit for us. I would highly recommend Eric for any of your real estate needs in the Phoenix area."

Eric Wilson
Verified Google Review — Phoenix Home Buyer
★★★★★

"Eric and his team did a great job helping my daughter and I purchase a townhouse in Scottsdale. He explained the whole process, found us great places to visit, and helped us evaluate our options. His recommended lender had a better rate and was more responsive than our bank. Eric's extensive knowledge of financial planning also helped in several stages of the process to aid our understanding. Eric responded quickly to all questions and addressed all our concerns. This minimized our stress — thank you Eric!"

Charles Fell
Verified Google Review — Scottsdale Townhouse Purchase
★★★★★

"Eric is amazing!! My husband and I just bought our first home and he was so much help through the whole process, answering all our questions and helping us find our first dream home."

Kendra Dentel
Verified Google Review — First-Time Home Buyer
★★★★★

"Eric sold us our house in October — it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. He is a great guy, knowledgeable, kind, and overall we really enjoyed working with him. He answered any questions we had quickly and was informative on everything. I had no idea what I was doing and he tried to detail it as much as possible for me! 100% recommend!!"

Kaitlin Duncan
Verified Google Review — Phoenix Home Purchase
★★★★★

"Eric was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. He doesn't 'settle'! He strives to understand the buyer's vision and then searches for a property that matches those expectations. We are thankful for his insights and wisdom!"

Jim House
Verified Google Review — Phoenix Home Buyer
★★★★★

"Eric is stellar! Knowledgeable, patient, and determined to make the best deal possible. 10/10 would recommend."

Jordan Bleker
Verified Google Review — Phoenix Real Estate
★ 150+ Five-Star Reviews

Including Washington clients who made this exact move to Greater Phoenix.

Read All Reviews →
Curbside — Frequently Asked

Common questions from Washington transplants

Real answers to what I'm asked most by Washington clients making this move.

Q.Is the cost of living in Phoenix actually lower than Washington?
Yes, on most categories — though it's a more nuanced comparison than with a high-income-tax state. Phoenix's cost index runs about 21 points lower than Washington's statewide, and median rent is roughly 35% lower than the Washington median ($1,556 vs. $2,406). Day-to-day essentials (groceries, gas, utilities, healthcare, childcare) also run meaningfully cheaper. The Washington median household income is higher than Phoenix's, so this move works best paired with remote work, a Seattle-area home sale, or a comparable Phoenix-based role.
Q.Washington has no income tax — so why does this guide talk about taxes so much?
Because "no income tax" doesn't mean "no state tax exposure." Washington has a 7%–9.9% capital gains excise tax on long-term gains above $278,000 (common for tech equity comp and investment property sales), and one of the highest state estate taxes in the country — up to 35% on estates above the $3,076,000 (2026) exemption, which is not portable between spouses. Arizona has neither tax. For households with meaningful equity comp, investments, or net worth, this is often the single biggest financial factor in the move.
Q.Can I keep my Washington-level salary while living in Phoenix?
If your employer supports remote work, yes — and since Washington has no state income tax to begin with, you don't lose anything on that front by moving. You gain on cost of living instead: a Washington-level paycheck combined with Phoenix's lower housing and day-to-day costs is one of the most effective financial plays available to remote-eligible Washington workers.
Q.How do I survive summer in Phoenix coming from Seattle's mild climate?
This is the single biggest lifestyle adjustment for Washington transplants — bigger than for movers from most other states. Treat Phoenix summer (June–September) the way you'd treat a Seattle winter: it's your indoor season. Outdoor activity happens at dawn or after sunset. AC is excellent and constant. Then October arrives and you get eight months of weather most of the country would consider close to perfect — including a real winter break from the gray skies you left behind.
Q.What is the housing market in Phoenix like right now?
As of mid-2025–2026, Phoenix is a buyer's market after a period of rapid appreciation followed by cooling. Median prices range from roughly $340K in Buckeye to $408K in Phoenix proper, $584K in Chandler, and over $1M in Scottsdale — all well below comparable Seattle-area pricing, where Bellevue's median sits near $1.3M. Increased inventory gives buyers more negotiating power and time.
Q.Will I take a pay cut moving to Phoenix?
If changing jobs locally, likely somewhat — Phoenix's median income runs below Washington's. But several major Washington employers (Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing) have a Phoenix-area presence, which can mean an internal transfer rather than a true career change. Combined with materially lower housing and living costs, many households come out ahead even with a modest nominal pay reduction.
Q.Does Washington audit residency the way California does?
Washington's enforcement focus is different — since there's no general income tax to dispute, the primary residency question that matters is for capital gains and estate tax purposes. If you have pending equity vesting, stock sales, or estate planning considerations, establishing clear Arizona domicile (driver's license, voter registration, majority-time presence, updated accounts) before a major liquidity event or as part of estate planning is the key move. Work with a CPA or estate attorney familiar with Washington's capital gains and estate tax rules.
Q.What is the best neighborhood in Phoenix for someone from Seattle or Bellevue?
Scottsdale offers the closest experience to upscale Eastside living — dining, golf, and a polished resort feel. Chandler is a natural landing spot given its tech-corridor presence and Intel campus. Gilbert is exceptional for families. Downtown Phoenix and Tempe suit those who want urban, walkable living closer to what Seattle or Capitol Hill offered. Most Washington transplants land in the East Valley — Scottsdale, Chandler, or Gilbert.
Q.How much does it cost to move from Washington to Phoenix?
For a roughly 1,100–1,400 mile move (depending on origin city and route), professional long-haul movers typically charge $3,000–$8,000 depending on home size and timing. Many households choose to fly and ship belongings separately rather than drive, given the distance. Moving October through March can save 20–30% versus peak summer season.
Q.Is Phoenix a good place to raise a family compared to the Seattle area?
Gilbert has been ranked one of the safest cities in America and consistently earns top marks for family living. Chandler and parts of Scottsdale are similarly excellent, with affordable housing, strong schools, and a robust charter school system — generally at a fraction of Eastside Seattle's housing costs.
Arrival — About Your Guide
Eric Ravenscroft

Eric Ravenscroft

CRS · GRI · ABR — Owner, The Ravenscroft Group at Real Broker
Top 100 Phoenix Metro · Top 1% Nationwide · Former Director of Wealth Management

I've lived in the Pacific Northwest, and I understand what this move really means — not just as a financial decision, but as a life one. Trading those landscapes for the Sonoran Desert is a genuine choice, and I respect that. What I bring to it is the financial and strategic clarity that most agents can't: years as a Director of Wealth Management before transitioning to real estate, focused specifically on the wealth-building picture behind every move.

I've seen firsthand how different the Washington conversation is from any other state I work with. There's no income tax to escape, but there's often a capital gains and estate tax picture that catches even financially savvy Washington families off guard — and that's exactly where the lens of a former wealth manager changes the conversation.

As owner of The Ravenscroft Group — ranked Top 100 in the Phoenix Metro and Top 1% Nationwide — I've helped hundreds of out-of-state families make this move with clarity on what it means for their financial picture. 150+ five-star reviews. $100M+ in closed transactions across Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Phoenix, and the wider Valley.

150+
5-Star Reviews
$100M+
Closed Sales
Top 1%
Nationwide
15 Yrs
Experience

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Every situation is different. Let's build your personalized Washington-to-Phoenix financial picture — what you'd save, what you'd make, how your equity comp or estate plan factors in, and what the move could look like for your family.

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Eric Ravenscroft

About the Author

 

Eric Ravenscroft is a Top 1% REALTOR® across North America and one of Arizona’s most trusted real estate strategists. With 15 years of experience spanning real estate, wealth management, and investment planning, he helps clients make smarter, financially grounded decisions, from new construction and relocations to STR investments, 1031 exchanges, and long-term portfolio strategy.

 

Eric’s expertise has earned him industry recognition, Elite status with Real Broker, and features in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, MSN, and Morningstar. Clients across the Greater Phoenix Metro rely on his clarity, strategic insight, and results-driven guidance.

 

Ready to make a confident real estate move? Call or text Eric today.

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