Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Surprise is 16% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,917/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 25%
$93,371/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↓ 5%
$396,000 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 5%
$1,587/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 7%
149,519
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $4,767/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Surprise or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and West Valley City?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or West Valley City?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $4,767/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Utah?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and West Valley City

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite West Valley City vs. Columbia West Valley City vs. Hampton West Valley City vs. Warren West Valley City vs. Cedar Rapids West Valley City vs. Orange West Valley City vs. Dayton