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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Sacramento is 5% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,694/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 13%
$83,753/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 11%
$484,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 18%
$1,752/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 9%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $9,618/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Surprise — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Surprise?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Surprise?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $9,618/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 Sacramento or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Surprise

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite