Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Surprise is 47% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,917/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 43%
$93,371/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 35%
$396,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 163%
$1,587/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 66%
149,519
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $33,098/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Surprise or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Cambridge?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Cambridge?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $33,098/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Cambridge

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland