Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Indianapolis is 41% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,112/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 72%
$62,995/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 48%
$207,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 91%
$1,124/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 41%
882,043
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $30,376/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Surprise — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Surprise?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Surprise?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $30,376/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Arizona?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Surprise details →

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Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite