Cost of Living: Corona, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Corona

California
173
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Corona is 37% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,136/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 10%
$106,438/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 12%
$656,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 40%
$2,280/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 30%
158,839
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corona, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $219/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,628/year.

Median household income is $13,067/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corona is $656,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Corona vs Surprise — common questions

Is Corona or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corona and Surprise?
Median rent in Corona is $2,136/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $219/month.
Which city has higher income, Corona or Surprise?
Median household income is $106,438 in Corona and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $13,067/year higher in Corona.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Corona or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Corona has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,136/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 Corona details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Corona and Surprise

Corona vs. Hayward Corona vs. Paterson Corona vs. Salinas Corona vs. Murfreesboro Corona vs. Palmdale Corona vs. Alexandria Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite