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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Surprise is 43% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,917/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 16%
$93,371/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 11%
$396,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 164%
$1,587/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 47%
149,519
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $10,407/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Surprise or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Pasadena?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Pasadena?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $10,407/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Pasadena

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth