Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Scottsdale is 31% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,910/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ≈ Same
$107,372/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 13%
$709,900 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 44%
$1,824/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 13%
242,169
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,001/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Surprise — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Surprise?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Surprise?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $14,001/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Surprise

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite