Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Surprise is 17% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,917/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 6%
$93,371/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 21%
$396,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 52%
$1,587/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 23%
149,519
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $20,025/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Arvada — common questions

Is Surprise or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Arvada?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Arvada?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $20,025/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Arvada

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence