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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Washington is 42% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,900/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 15%
$106,287/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 27%
$724,600 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 42%
$2,103/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 26%
672,079
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $28,644/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Tempe — common questions

Is Washington or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Tempe?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Tempe?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $28,644/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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Tempe

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News