Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Surprise is 56% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,917/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 37%
$93,371/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 51%
$396,000 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 41%
$1,587/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 26%
149,519
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $47,760/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Surprise or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Gainesville?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Gainesville?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $47,760/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Gainesville

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia