Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Surprise is 121% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,917/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 50%
$93,371/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 44%
$396,000 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 67%
$1,587/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 42%
149,519
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $968/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $11,616/year.

Median household income is $41,120/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Evansville — common questions

Is Surprise or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Evansville?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $968/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Evansville?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $41,120/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Indiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Evansville

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow