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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Ventura

California
183

Surprise is 31% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,917/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 10%
$93,371/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 8%
$396,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 97%
$1,587/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 33%
149,519
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $7,036/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Ventura — common questions

Is Surprise or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Ventura?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Ventura?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $7,036/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Ventura

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley