San Antonio, TX vs Surprise, AZ: 82 vs 126

$1,258/mo ↓ 34%

Median Rent

$1,917/mo ↑ 52%

$62,917/yr ↓ 33%

Median Income

$93,371/yr ↑ 48%

$219,700 ↓ 45%

Home Value

$396,000 ↑ 80%

$1,235/mo ↓ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,587/mo ↑ 29%

1,458,954

Population

149,519

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $30,454/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Surprise — common questions

Is San Antonio or Surprise cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 126 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Surprise?

Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $659/month.

Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Surprise?

Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $30,454/year higher in Surprise.

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 San Antonio or Surprise?

It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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.

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

San Antonio

Surprise

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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