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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Elk Grove is 33% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,180/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 12%
$122,229/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 24%
$603,400 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 34%
$2,227/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 29%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $28,858/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Surprise — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Surprise?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Surprise?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $28,858/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Surprise

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite