Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Surprise is 27% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,917/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 15%
$93,371/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 15%
$396,000 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 55%
$1,587/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 49%
149,519
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $14,103/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Stamford — common questions

Is Surprise or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Stamford?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Stamford?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $14,103/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Connecticut?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Stamford

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs