Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Salt Lake City is 7% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,343/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 43%
$74,925/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 25%
$495,700 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 20%
$1,394/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 14%
203,888
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $18,446/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Surprise — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Surprise?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Surprise?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $18,446/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Arizona?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Surprise

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite