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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Surprise is 50% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,917/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 11%
$93,371/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 16%
$396,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 241%
$1,587/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 47%
149,519
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $15,187/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Surprise or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Berkeley?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Berkeley?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $15,187/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Berkeley

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