Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Santa Clarita is 56% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,486/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 23%
$119,926/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 22%
$721,000 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 45%
$2,649/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 40%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $26,555/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Surprise — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Surprise?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Surprise?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $26,555/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Surprise

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite