Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Surprise is 6% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,917/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 11%
$93,371/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 26%
$396,000 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 7%
$1,587/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 5%
149,519
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $24,110/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Surprise or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $24,110/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and West Palm Beach

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings