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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Downey

California
169

Surprise is 25% cheaper than Downey.

$1,917/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 1%
$93,371/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 6%
$396,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 84%
$1,587/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 26%
149,519
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,971/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Downey — common questions

Is Surprise or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Downey?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Downey?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $5,971/year higher in Surprise.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Downey

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens