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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Vancouver is 2% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 17%
$78,156/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 19%
$440,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 10%
$1,607/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 1%
192,696
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Vancouver, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $15,215/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Surprise — common questions

Is Vancouver or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Surprise?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Surprise?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $15,215/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 Vancouver or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Surprise details →

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