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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Tacoma and Surprise have a similar cost of living.

$1,597/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 20%
$83,857/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 11%
$454,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 13%
$1,747/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 9%
220,482
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $9,514/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Surprise — common questions

Is Tacoma or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Surprise?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Surprise?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $9,514/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 Tacoma or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and Surprise

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite