Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Surprise is 6% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,917/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 25%
$93,371/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 27%
$396,000 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 55%
$1,587/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 8%
149,519
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $24,993/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Surprise or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $24,993/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and East Los Angeles

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo