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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Surprise is 50% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,917/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 40%
$93,371/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 49%
$396,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 192%
$1,587/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 76%
149,519
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $45,955/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Surprise or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $45,955/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Carlsbad

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin