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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

San Diego is 56% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,223/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 14%
$104,321/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 10%
$848,500 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 53%
$2,308/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 31%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $10,950/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Surprise — common questions

Is San Diego or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Surprise?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Surprise?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $10,950/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Surprise

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite