Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs High Point, NC (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Surprise is 73% more expensive than High Point.

$1,917/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 45%
$93,371/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 34%
$396,000 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 46%
$1,587/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 32%
149,519
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $32,143/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs High Point — common questions

Is Surprise or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and High Point?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or High Point?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $32,143/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and High Point

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles