Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Surprise is 20% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,917/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 20%
$93,371/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 31%
$396,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 18%
$1,587/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 11%
149,519
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $28,931/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Surprise or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Clearwater?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Clearwater?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $28,931/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Clearwater

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville