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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fremont is 121% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,905/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 34%
$176,350/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 47%
$1,289,400 ↑ 226%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 69%
$3,000/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 47%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $988/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $11,856/year.

Median household income is $82,979/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fremont or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Surprise?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $988/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Surprise?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $82,979/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Surprise

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite