Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Detroit is 58% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,034/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 85%
$39,575/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 136%
$76,800 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 416%
$868/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 83%
636,644
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $53,796/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Surprise — common questions

Is Detroit or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Surprise?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $883/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Surprise?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $53,796/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Arizona?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Surprise

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite