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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Mesa is 15% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,478/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 30%
$78,779/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 19%
$364,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 9%
$1,404/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 13%
507,478
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $14,592/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Surprise — common questions

Is Mesa or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Surprise?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Surprise?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $14,592/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 Mesa or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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