Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Surprise is 107% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,917/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 50%
$93,371/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 37%
$396,000 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 62%
$1,587/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 37%
149,519
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $966/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $11,592/year.

Median household income is $34,655/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Peoria — common questions

Is Surprise or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Peoria?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $966/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Peoria?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $34,655/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Peoria

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo