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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Visalia

California
104

Surprise is 21% more expensive than Visalia.

$1,917/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 27%
$93,371/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↓ 14%
$396,000 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 14%
$1,587/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↓ 5%
149,519
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Visalia, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $13,419/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Visalia — common questions

Is Surprise or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Visalia?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Visalia?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $13,419/year higher in Surprise.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Visalia

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie