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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Surprise is 4% more expensive than Pearland.

$1,917/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↓ 8%
$93,371/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 20%
$396,000 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 16%
$1,587/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 24%
149,519
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $19,099/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Pearland — common questions

Is Surprise or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Pearland?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Pearland?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $19,099/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Pearland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Pearland

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Pearland vs. Topeka Pearland vs. Simi Valley Pearland vs. Athens Pearland vs. Thousand Oaks Pearland vs. Abilene Pearland vs. Allentown