Phoenix, AZ vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · as of August 2026
Phoenix, AZ vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria side by side
| Metric | ● Phoenix, AZ | ● Washington-Arlington-Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 32 | 18 |
| Price Momentum | 39 | — |
| Inventory Health | 36 | 1 |
| Affordability | 26 | 15 |
| Economic Strength | 24 | 46 |
| Rental Yield | 33 | 15 |
| Median Sale Price | $459K | — |
| Price-to-Income | 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Payment-to-Income | 31.5% | 28.8% |
| Months of Supply | 4 | — |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.5% | 4.2% |
| Overvaluation Index | 60 | 20 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually.
How Phoenix, AZ and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Phoenix, AZ leads — Phoenix, AZ 26/100 vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 15/100.
- Inventory Health: Phoenix, AZ leads — Phoenix, AZ 36/100 vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 1/100.
- Economic Strength: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria leads — Phoenix, AZ 24/100 vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 46/100.
- Rental Yield: Phoenix, AZ leads — Phoenix, AZ 33/100 vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria 15/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Phoenix, AZ or Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Phoenix, AZ scores higher — 32 vs 18 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Phoenix, AZ or Washington-Arlington-Alexandria more affordable?
Phoenix, AZ is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 5.2 in Phoenix, AZ and 4.6 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Phoenix, AZ market brief and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria brief.