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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Ontario is 21% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,916/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ≈ Same
$82,806/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 13%
$568,000 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 30%
$1,967/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 19%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,565/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Surprise — common questions

Is Ontario or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Surprise?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Surprise?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $10,565/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 Ontario or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Surprise

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite