Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Washington is 36% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,900/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ≈ Same
$106,287/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 12%
$724,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 45%
$2,103/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 25%
672,079
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,916/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Surprise — common questions

Is Washington or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Surprise?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Surprise?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $12,916/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Arizona?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Surprise

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite