Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Arlington is 61% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,275/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 16%
$140,160/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 33%
$864,800 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 54%
$2,414/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 34%
235,463
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $46,789/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Surprise — common questions

Is Arlington or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Surprise?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Surprise?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $46,789/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arizona?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Surprise

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite