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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Concord

California
187

Surprise is 33% cheaper than Concord.

$1,917/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 16%
$93,371/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 17%
$396,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 91%
$1,587/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 44%
149,519
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $15,824/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Concord — common questions

Is Surprise or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Concord?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Concord?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $15,824/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Concord details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Concord

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Concord vs. Round Rock Concord vs. Arvada Concord vs. Vallejo Concord vs. Clovis Concord vs. Meridian Concord vs. College Station