Santa Ana, CA vs Surprise, AZ: 163 vs 126

$1,975/mo ↑ 3%

Median Rent

$1,917/mo ↓ 3%

$88,354/yr ↓ 5%

Median Income

$93,371/yr ↑ 6%

$657,800 ↑ 66%

Home Value

$396,000 ↓ 40%

$1,965/mo ↑ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,587/mo ↓ 19%

311,639

Population

149,519

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $5,017/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Surprise — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Surprise cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Surprise?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $58/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Surprise?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $5,017/year higher in Surprise.

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 Santa Ana or Surprise?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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: Santa Ana, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Santa Ana

Surprise

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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