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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Oakland is 55% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,917/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ≈ Same
$97,369/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 4%
$924,700 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 57%
$2,164/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 27%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,998/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Surprise — common questions

Is Oakland or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Surprise?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Surprise?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $3,998/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Surprise

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