Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Surprise is 6% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,917/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 16%
$93,371/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 18%
$396,000 ≈ Same
Home Value
$395,100 ≈ Same
$1,587/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 5%
149,519
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $17,166/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Lowell — common questions

Is Surprise or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Lowell?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Lowell?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $17,166/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Lowell

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