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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Sunnyvale is 171% more expensive than Surprise.

$3,065/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 37%
$181,862/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 49%
$1,816,600 ↑ 359%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 78%
$3,016/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 47%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,148/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $13,776/year.

Median household income is $88,491/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Surprise — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Surprise?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $1,148/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Surprise?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $88,491/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sunnyvale and Surprise

Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite