Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Surprise is 57% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,917/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 40%
$93,371/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 40%
$396,000 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 39%
$1,587/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 26%
149,519
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $37,718/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Columbia — common questions

Is Surprise or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Columbia?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Columbia?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $37,718/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Columbia

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids