Long Beach, CA vs Surprise, AZ: 169 vs 126

$1,803/mo ↓ 6%

Median Rent

$1,917/mo ↑ 6%

$83,969/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$93,371/yr ↑ 11%

$762,200 ↑ 92%

Home Value

$396,000 ↓ 48%

$1,890/mo ↑ 19%

Owner Costs

$1,587/mo ↓ 16%

458,491

Population

149,519

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $9,402/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Surprise — common questions

Is Long Beach or Surprise cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Surprise?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $114/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Surprise?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $9,402/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 Long Beach or Surprise?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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.

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

Long Beach

Surprise

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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