Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Surprise is 22% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,917/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↓ 16%
$93,371/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 12%
$396,000 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 32%
$1,587/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 3%
149,519
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in South Fulton, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $11,573/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Surprise or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and South Fulton?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or South Fulton?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $11,573/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and South Fulton

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview