Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Miami is 2% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,657/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 16%
$59,390/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 57%
$475,200 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 17%
$1,666/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 5%
446,663
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Miami, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $33,981/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Surprise — common questions

Is Miami or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Surprise?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Surprise?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $33,981/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arizona?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miami and Surprise

Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite