Arizona · Population 149,519 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Surprise
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Surprise has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 126 (where 100 equals the national median), Surprise residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,917/month while earning a median household income of $93,371/year.
The median home value in Surprise, AZ is $396,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,587 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Arizona has a moderate income tax rate of 2.5%. Combined with a 5.6% sales tax rate and 0.62% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Surprise.
Common questions about living costs in Surprise
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