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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

San Francisco is 112% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,419/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 21%
$141,446/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 34%
$1,380,500 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 71%
$2,620/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 39%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $502/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $6,024/year.

Median household income is $48,075/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Surprise — common questions

Is San Francisco or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Surprise?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $502/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Surprise?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $48,075/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Surprise details →

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