đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Everett and Phoenix
Head-to-Head Analysis
Everett vs Phoenix
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Everett | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $74,276 | $79,664 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 4.1% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $564,990 | $457,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $362 | $278 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,864 | $1,599 |
| Housing Cost Index | 151.5 | 124.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 98.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.65 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 691.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.2% | 33.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Phoenix vs. Everett: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown for Your Next Move
Choosing between Phoenix and Everett isn’t just about picking a dot on the map—it’s about choosing a lifestyle. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched desert metropolis; the other is a gritty, water-locked Pacific Northwest city with a view of the Puget Sound. You’re looking for the right fit, and you’re smart to dig into the data. As your relocation expert, I’ve done the heavy lifting. Let’s break down this showdown with cold, hard facts and a healthy dose of real-world advice.
The Vibe Check: Desert Sun vs. Coastal Grit
First, let’s talk about the soul of these cities.
Phoenix, Arizona is the definition of a sunbelt boomtown. It’s massive, with a population of 1.65 million that feels even bigger in the sprawling Valley of the Sun. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and unapologetically modern. Think endless sunshine, sprawling suburbs, a booming tech and healthcare scene, and a culture built around outdoor living (in the winter, at least). It’s a city for those who crave space, heat, and a relentless energy. You’re here for the hustle, the growth, and the ability to drive almost anywhere in 30 minutes (traffic permitting). It’s a magnet for young professionals, families seeking affordability (compared to coastal cities), and retirees who want an active, dry heat.
Everett, Washington is a different beast entirely. With a population of just 111,147, it’s a compact, industrial city with a maritime soul. It’s the gritty, blue-collar neighbor to Seattle’s shiny tech scene, offering a more authentic, unpretentious PNW experience. The vibe is laid-back, rain-soaked, and deeply connected to the water. Think working waterfronts, stunning mountain and sound views, and a community that values the outdoors over nightlife. Everett is for those who want the Pacific Northwest lifestyle—mild summers, dramatic winters, and unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, and kayaking—without the astronomical price tag of Seattle itself. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, families who don’t need a big-city buzz, and those who prefer a more down-to-earth, community-focused feel.
Who’s it for?
- Phoenix is for the sun-worshipper, the career-driven professional, the family that wants a backyard and a pool, and anyone who hates shoveling snow.
- Everett is for the rain-lover, the avid hiker, the budget-conscious professional who still wants city amenities, and anyone who values a view of the mountains over a view of a desert.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
This is the make-or-break category. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’ll use a benchmark of a $100,000 salary to see where your money stretches further.
Cost of Living Showdown
Here’s how the basic monthly costs stack up, based on the data provided.
| Category | Phoenix, AZ | Everett, WA | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,599 | $1,864 | Everett is 17% more expensive for rent. |
| Utilities | ~$250 (High AC) | ~$180 (Mild) | Phoenix has higher summer cooling costs. |
| Groceries | ~$350 | ~$380 | Slight edge to Phoenix. |
| Overall Index | 124.3 | 151.5 | Everett is 22% more expensive overall. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
On a $100,000 salary, you’d have significantly more purchasing power in Phoenix. The median income in Phoenix is $79,664 vs. Everett's $74,276, but the cost of living is the real story. In Everett, that same salary feels like about $89,000 after adjusting for costs (using the index differential). In Phoenix, it feels closer to its full value.
The Tax Twist: While Washington has no state income tax (a huge plus), Arizona has a relatively low, progressive income tax (top rate of 4.5%). However, Washington makes up for it with a steep 10.1% sales tax (Everett) vs. Phoenix's 8.6%. For high earners, Washington’s no-income-tax model can be a massive financial win, but for middle-income families, the higher sales tax and overall cost of living in Everett can be a steeper hill to climb.
Verdict on Dollar Power: Phoenix wins decisively. For most people, especially those not at the very top of the income bracket, the cost of living in Phoenix is simply more manageable. Your rent, groceries, and overall expenses will be lower, leaving more money for savings, travel, or that backyard pool.
The Housing Market: To Buy or Rent?
The Buy vs. Rent Analysis
- Phoenix: The median home price is $457,000. The rent-to-price ratio is about 4.2%, which leans slightly towards buying being the better financial move long-term. The market is competitive but offers more inventory than many coastal cities.
- Everett: The median home price is a staggering $564,990. The rent-to-price ratio is about 4.0%. The higher home prices make the barrier to entry much steeper.
Availability & Competition
- Phoenix: A true buyer's market in many areas. Inventory is higher, and while homes sell, you have more breathing room to negotiate than in a place like Everett.
- Everett: A seller's market, heavily influenced by the Seattle metro area's insane housing costs. Buyers face fierce competition, often waiving inspections and bidding well over asking price. The Housing Index of 151.5 (where 100 is the national average) screams "sticker shock."
Verdict on Housing: Phoenix wins for affordability and entry. While Everett offers beautiful homes in a stunning location, the price tag is daunting. Phoenix provides a far more accessible path to homeownership for the average earner. If you're a renter, Phoenix is also the more budget-friendly choice.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference reigns supreme.
Traffic & Commute
- Phoenix: Expect traffic. It's a car-dependent city with sprawling freeways. The average commute is 26 minutes, but congestion on I-10, I-17, and the Loop 101 can be brutal during rush hour. You will drive, period.
- Everett: Traffic is concentrated around the I-5 corridor. The average commute is 28 minutes, but if you're commuting to Seattle, it can be a longer, more stressful drive. Public transit (Sound Transit) is better than Phoenix's, but still limited.
Winner: Everett (by a hair). Slightly better public transit options give it an edge, but both are car-centric.
Weather: The Ultimate Dealbreaker
- Phoenix: 55°F average is misleading. It’s a city of extremes. Winters are glorious (sunny, 70°F days). Summers are brutal, with 110°F+ temperatures for months. You live for the winter and hide from the summer. Low humidity is a plus for some, but the heat is intense and can be dangerous.
- Everett: 48°F average, but it’s all about the gray. It’s mild year-round, rarely freezing or scorching. The trade-off is the "Big Dark"—months of overcast skies and drizzle from October to May. Summers are spectacular: dry, sunny, and in the 70s-80s.
Winner: It's a draw. This is 100% personal. If you need sun and hate the cold, Phoenix wins. If you hate heat and love dramatic, moody weather, Everett wins. There is no objective "better" here.
Crime & Safety
Based on violent crime rates per 100k:
- Phoenix: 691.8
- Everett: 567.0
Winner: Everett. Statistically, Everett has a lower violent crime rate. However, both cities have areas with higher crime. Phoenix’s massive size means crime is hyper-localized. Everett’s smaller footprint can make crime feel more concentrated. Always research specific neighborhoods.
🏆 The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
After crunching the numbers and living the vibes, here’s the definitive breakdown.
Winner for Families: PHOENIX
Why? The combination of significantly lower home prices ($457k vs. $565k), more affordable rent, and a buyer's market makes starting a family financially sustainable. You get more house for your money, with yards and pools. The weather is a pro for active kids in the winter. The schools are a mixed bag, but there are excellent districts in the suburbs (Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler).
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: PHOENIX
Why? The purchasing power on a $100k salary is unbeatable. You can afford a nice apartment, go out, and save money. The job market is booming, especially in tech, healthcare, and finance. The social scene is vibrant, with a huge restaurant and bar scene. It’s a city on the rise, offering opportunity and a fun, energetic environment without the coastal price tag.
Winner for Retirees: PHOENIX
Why? This is a classic retirement destination for a reason. The dry heat is easier on arthritis than damp cold. The cost of living allows retirement savings to go further. The active lifestyle (golf, walking, swimming) is built into the culture. While Everett is beautiful, the gray, wet winters can be isolating and challenging for older adults.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Phoenix, AZ
PROS:
- Unbeatable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.
- Sunshine: Over 300 days of sun a year. Winters are paradise.
- Booming Job Market: Strong in tech, healthcare, and finance.
- Space & Affordability: More house for your money, even with rising prices.
- Diverse Food Scene: A true culinary melting pot.
CONS:
- Brutal Summers: Months of dangerous, oppressive heat.
- Car Dependency: You must drive everywhere.
- Water Scarcity: A long-term concern in the desert.
- Urban Sprawl: Can feel impersonal and disconnected.
Everett, WA
PROS:
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Mountains, water, and forests at your doorstep.
- Mild Climate: No extreme heat or deep freezes.
- Proximity to Seattle: Access to a world-class city without the price tag.
- Lower Crime Rate: Statistically safer than Phoenix.
- No State Income Tax: A huge financial benefit for high earners.
CONS:
- High Cost of Living: Especially housing. Sticker shock is real.
- The "Big Dark": Gray, drizzly weather for half the year.
- Limited Economic Diversity: Heavily tied to aerospace and manufacturing.
- Competitive Housing Market: A tough seller's market for buyers.
The Bottom Line
Choose Phoenix if: Your primary drivers are financial. You want to maximize your salary, afford a home, and live in a sunny, growing city with a vibrant job market. You can tolerate—and maybe even love—the desert heat.
Choose Everett if: Your primary drivers are lifestyle and location. You are willing to pay a premium to live near mountains and water, you thrive in a moody climate, and you value a more laid-back, outdoor-centric community. The no-income-tax benefit is a major bonus for high earners.
The final word: For the vast majority of people looking to build a life without breaking the bank, Phoenix is the more pragmatic and financially sound choice. Everett offers a priceless natural setting, but it comes at a steep price that can limit your financial freedom. Your move, your rules—pick the city that matches your non-negotiables.