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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Torrance

California
218

Surprise is 42% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,917/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 15%
$93,371/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 21%
$396,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 162%
$1,587/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 45%
149,519
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $19,734/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Torrance — common questions

Is Surprise or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Torrance?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Torrance?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $19,734/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Torrance

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco