Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Killeen is 40% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,147/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 67%
$58,339/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 60%
$196,000 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 102%
$1,176/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 35%
156,144
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $35,032/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Killeen residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Surprise — common questions

Is Killeen or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Surprise?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Surprise?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $35,032/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Surprise

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite