Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs College Station, TX (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Surprise is 38% more expensive than College Station.

$1,917/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 39%
$93,371/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 45%
$396,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 18%
$1,587/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 21%
149,519
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $41,595/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs College Station — common questions

Is Surprise or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and College Station?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or College Station?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $41,595/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and College Station

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette