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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Spokane is 29% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,141/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 68%
$65,745/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 42%
$326,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 21%
$1,213/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 31%
229,228
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $776/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $9,312/year.

Median household income is $27,626/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Surprise — common questions

Is Spokane or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Surprise?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $776/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Surprise?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $27,626/year higher in Surprise.
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 Spokane or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Surprise

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite