Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Surprise is 28% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,917/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 22%
$93,371/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 18%
$396,000 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 53%
$1,587/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 50%
149,519
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $16,409/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Surprise or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Murrieta?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Murrieta?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $16,409/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Murrieta

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett