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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fresno is 20% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,324/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 45%
$66,804/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 40%
$348,500 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 14%
$1,391/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 14%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $26,567/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fresno or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Surprise?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Surprise?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $26,567/year higher in Surprise.
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 Fresno or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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