Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Surprise is 4% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,917/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 19%
$93,371/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 13%
$396,000 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 10%
$1,587/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 3%
149,519
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $12,282/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Surprise or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $12,282/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Ann Arbor

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford