Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Atlanta is 3% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,617/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 19%
$81,938/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 14%
$420,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 6%
$1,695/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 6%
499,287
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $11,433/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Surprise — common questions

Is Atlanta or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Surprise?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Surprise?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $11,433/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Arizona?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Surprise details →

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