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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Orange

California
206

Surprise is 39% cheaper than Orange.

$1,917/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 17%
$93,371/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 25%
$396,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 127%
$1,587/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 51%
149,519
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $23,574/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Orange — common questions

Is Surprise or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Orange?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Orange?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $23,574/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Orange

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City