Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Provo, UT (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Surprise is 24% more expensive than Provo.

$1,917/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 40%
$93,371/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 33%
$396,000 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 10%
$1,587/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 23%
149,519
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $30,571/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Provo — common questions

Is Surprise or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Provo?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Provo?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $30,571/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Provo

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Provo vs. Waterbury Provo vs. Elgin Provo vs. Carlsbad Provo vs. Odessa Provo vs. East Los Angeles Provo vs. Springfield