Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Surprise is 6% more expensive than Gresham.

$1,917/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 21%
$93,371/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 21%
$396,000 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 11%
$1,587/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ≈ Same
149,519
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $19,763/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Gresham — common questions

Is Surprise or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Gresham?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Gresham?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $19,763/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Gresham

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach