Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Surprise is 12% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,917/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 24%
$93,371/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 32%
$396,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$393,500 ≈ Same
$1,587/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 3%
149,519
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $29,497/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Surprise or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $29,497/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Elizabeth

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland