Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Allen, TX (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Surprise is 8% cheaper than Allen.

$1,917/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 2%
$93,371/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 38%
$396,000 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 9%
$1,587/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 31%
149,519
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $35,759/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Allen — common questions

Is Surprise or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Allen?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Allen?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $35,759/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Allen

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago