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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Surprise is 50% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,917/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 37%
$93,371/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 31%
$396,000 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 51%
$1,587/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 28%
149,519
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $29,101/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Surprise or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Pasadena?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $29,101/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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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