Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Surprise is 52% more expensive than Athens.

$1,917/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 39%
$93,371/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 45%
$396,000 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 31%
$1,587/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 27%
149,519
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $41,716/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Athens — common questions

Is Surprise or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Athens?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Athens?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $41,716/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Athens

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley