Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Surprise is 33% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,917/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 25%
$93,371/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 42%
$396,000 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 37%
$1,587/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 4%
149,519
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $39,600/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs New Haven — common questions

Is Surprise or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and New Haven?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or New Haven?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $39,600/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Connecticut?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and New Haven

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo