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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Surprise is 26% more expensive than Denton.

$1,917/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 30%
$93,371/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 21%
$396,000 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 18%
$1,587/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 8%
149,519
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $19,652/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Denton — common questions

Is Surprise or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Denton?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Denton?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $19,652/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Denton

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe