Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Surprise is 59% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,917/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 37%
$93,371/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 30%
$396,000 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 45%
$1,587/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 26%
149,519
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $27,844/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Tyler residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Tyler — common questions

Is Surprise or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Tyler?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Tyler?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $27,844/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Tyler

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Tyler vs. Riverview Tyler vs. Tuscaloosa Tyler vs. Dearborn Tyler vs. Allen Tyler vs. Sparks Tyler vs. New York