Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Philadelphia is 33% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,323/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 45%
$60,698/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 54%
$232,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 70%
$1,233/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 29%
1,582,432
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $32,673/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Surprise — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Surprise?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Surprise?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $32,673/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Arizona?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Surprise details →

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Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite