Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Chandler is 6% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,806/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 6%
$103,691/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 10%
$469,800 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 16%
$1,743/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 9%
278,123
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Chandler, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $10,320/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Surprise — common questions

Is Chandler or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Surprise?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Surprise?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $10,320/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Surprise details →

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