Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Dallas is 23% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,403/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 37%
$67,760/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 38%
$295,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 34%
$1,409/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 13%
1,299,553
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $25,611/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Surprise — common questions

Is Dallas or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Surprise?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Surprise?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $25,611/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Surprise

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