Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Los Angeles is 48% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,879/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 2%
$80,366/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 16%
$879,500 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 55%
$2,055/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 23%
3,857,897
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,005/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Surprise — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Surprise?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Surprise?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $13,005/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 Los Angeles or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Surprise

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite