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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Palmdale is 3% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,736/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 10%
$81,151/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 15%
$435,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 9%
$1,831/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 13%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $12,220/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Surprise — common questions

Is Palmdale or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Surprise?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Surprise?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $12,220/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 Palmdale or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Surprise

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite