Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Arlington is 25% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,389/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 38%
$73,519/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 27%
$276,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 43%
$1,420/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 12%
394,769
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $19,852/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Surprise — common questions

Is Arlington or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Surprise?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Surprise?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $19,852/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Surprise details →

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