Arizona vs Washington
Arizona vs. Washington Property Tax Comparison (2026)
Summary – According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arizona’s effective property tax rate is lower than Washington’s. The difference in rates translates into lower annual property‑tax bills for comparable home values in Arizona.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arizona | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.84 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $519,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $4,361 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $2,098 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $4,195 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $94,952 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arizona – The effective property tax rate of 0.52 % is 0.32 percentage points lower than Washington’s 0.84 %.
- Rate difference: 0.32 % points, which represents a 38.30 % lower rate for Arizona.
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $804 less in Arizona ($1,294 vs. $2,098).
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $1,606 less in Arizona ($2,589 vs. $4,195).
The lower rate in Arizona results from a combination of state‑level tax structures and local assessment practices that, on average, generate less revenue per dollar of assessed value than Washington’s system.
Practical Implications for Different Audiences
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower effective tax rates in Arizona mean smaller annual property‑tax payments for comparable home prices, which can affect affordability calculations. |
| Retirees | Since property taxes are a recurring expense, retirees on fixed incomes may find the lower Arizona rate more sustainable, especially when combined with the state’s median household income figure. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors evaluating cash‑flow projections should incorporate the state‑specific tax rates; Arizona’s lower rate can improve net operating income for comparable properties. |
| Relocating families | The overall cost of housing includes both home price and recurring taxes. While Washington’s median home value is higher, the higher tax rate adds to the total cost of homeownership. |
These observations are based solely on the tax rate and median home‑value data; they do not account for other cost‑of‑living factors such as sales taxes, income taxes, or local service fees.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Arizona’s property‑tax system: Arizona property tax
- Detailed information on Washington’s property‑tax system: Washington property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the data presented here reflect statewide averages and may not capture local variations within each state.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.