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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

San Jose is 102% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,617/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 27%
$141,565/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 34%
$1,187,800 ↑ 200%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 67%
$2,775/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 43%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $700/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $8,400/year.

Median household income is $48,194/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Surprise — common questions

Is San Jose or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Surprise?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $700/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Surprise?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $48,194/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite