Cost of Living: Cape Coral, FL vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Cape Coral

Florida
114
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Cape Coral is 10% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,751/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 9%
$76,062/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 23%
$339,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 17%
$1,523/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 4%
206,387
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cape Coral, FL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Cape Coral, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $17,309/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cape Coral is $339,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Cape Coral residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Coral vs Surprise — common questions

Is Cape Coral or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cape Coral is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cape Coral and Surprise?
Median rent in Cape Coral is $1,751/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Cape Coral or Surprise?
Median household income is $76,062 in Cape Coral and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $17,309/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arizona?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cape Coral or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,751/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 Cape Coral details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cape Coral and Surprise

Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite