Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

New York is 32% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,779/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 8%
$79,713/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 17%
$751,700 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 47%
$1,837/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 14%
8,516,202
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $13,658/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Surprise — common questions

Is New York or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Surprise?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Surprise?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $13,658/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between New York and Arizona?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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