Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Plano is 5% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,792/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 7%
$108,649/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 14%
$440,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 10%
$1,829/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 13%
287,339
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $15,278/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Surprise — common questions

Is Plano or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Surprise?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Surprise?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $15,278/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Surprise

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite