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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Modesto is 5% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,609/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 19%
$77,899/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 20%
$415,600 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 5%
$1,613/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 2%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $15,472/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Surprise — common questions

Is Modesto or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Surprise?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Surprise?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $15,472/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 Modesto or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Surprise

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite