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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Glendale is 19% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,397/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 37%
$70,139/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 33%
$347,000 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 14%
$1,356/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 17%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $23,232/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Surprise — common questions

Is Glendale or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Surprise?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Surprise?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $23,232/year higher in Surprise.
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 Glendale or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Surprise

Glendale vs. Winston-Salem Glendale vs. Garland Glendale vs. Chesapeake Glendale vs. Scottsdale Glendale vs. Irving Glendale vs. Boise Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite