Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Seattle is 56% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,998/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 4%
$121,984/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 23%
$912,100 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 57%
$2,220/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 29%
741,440
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $28,613/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Surprise — common questions

Is Seattle or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Surprise?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Surprise?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $28,613/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Arizona?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Surprise

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite