Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Boston is 40% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,093/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 8%
$94,755/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 1%
$710,400 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 44%
$2,176/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 27%
663,972
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $1,384/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Surprise — common questions

Is Boston or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Surprise?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Surprise?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $1,384/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Surprise

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite