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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Surprise is 35% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,917/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 11%
$93,371/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 12%
$396,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 117%
$1,587/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 42%
149,519
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $10,848/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Surprise or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Fullerton?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Fullerton?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $10,848/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Fullerton

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren