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

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Rancho Cucamonga is 44% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,286/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 16%
$109,511/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 15%
$694,400 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 43%
$2,324/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 32%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $16,140/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Surprise — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Surprise?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Surprise?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $16,140/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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