Surprise, AZ vs Santa Clara, CA: 126 vs 307

$1,917/mo ↓ 36%

Median Rent

$2,985/mo ↑ 56%

$93,371/yr ↓ 46%

Median Income

$173,670/yr ↑ 86%

$396,000 ↓ 74%

Home Value

$1,527,900 ↑ 286%

$1,587/mo ↓ 48%

Owner Costs

$3,051/mo ↑ 92%

149,519

Population

129,239

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $80,299/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Surprise or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 307 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Surprise and Santa Clara?

Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,068/month.

Which city has higher income, Surprise or Santa Clara?

Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $80,299/year higher in Santa Clara.

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 Santa Clara?

It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Surprise

Santa Clara

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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