Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Independence, MO (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Surprise is 88% more expensive than Independence.

$1,917/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 45%
$93,371/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 36%
$396,000 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 58%
$1,587/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 34%
149,519
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $33,891/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Independence — common questions

Is Surprise or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Independence?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Independence?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $33,891/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Independence

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor