Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Surprise is 52% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,917/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 31%
$93,371/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 22%
$396,000 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 47%
$1,587/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 21%
149,519
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $20,341/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Odessa — common questions

Is Surprise or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Odessa?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Odessa?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $20,341/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Odessa

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham