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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Antioch

California
171

Surprise is 26% cheaper than Antioch.

$1,917/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,241/mo ↑ 17%
$93,371/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$94,256/yr ≈ Same
$396,000 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$607,400 ↑ 53%
$1,587/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,271/mo ↑ 43%
149,519
Population
115,759

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Antioch, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $324/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,888/year.

Median household income is $885/year higher in Antioch. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $607,400 in Antioch.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Antioch — common questions

Is Surprise or Antioch cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Antioch?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Antioch it's $2,241/month — a difference of $324/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Antioch?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $94,256 in Antioch. Median household income is $885/year higher in Antioch.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Antioch?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Antioch has a cost index of 171 with rent of $2,241/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Antioch details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Antioch

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Antioch vs. Broken Arrow Antioch vs. Westminster Antioch vs. West Jordan Antioch vs. Manchester Antioch vs. Brandon Antioch vs. Richmond