Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Gilbert is 17% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,028/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 5%
$121,351/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 23%
$518,600 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 24%
$1,908/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 17%
271,118
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $27,980/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Surprise — common questions

Is Gilbert or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Surprise?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Surprise?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $27,980/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Surprise

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite