Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Surprise is 59% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,917/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 34%
$93,371/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 30%
$396,000 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 48%
$1,587/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 26%
149,519
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $28,179/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Surprise or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Dearborn?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Dearborn?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $28,179/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Michigan?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Dearborn

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa