Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Surprise is 114% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,917/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 48%
$93,371/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 51%
$396,000 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 68%
$1,587/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 38%
149,519
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $47,526/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Surprise or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Syracuse?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Syracuse?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $47,526/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Syracuse

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