Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Reno is 3% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,453/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 32%
$78,448/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 19%
$498,600 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 21%
$1,482/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 7%
268,959
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $14,923/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Surprise — common questions

Is Reno or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Surprise?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Surprise?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $14,923/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Arizona?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Surprise

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite