Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Surprise is 9% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,917/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↓ 5%
$93,371/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 3%
$396,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 26%
$1,587/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 16%
149,519
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Westminster, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $2,774/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Westminster — common questions

Is Surprise or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Westminster?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Westminster?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $2,774/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Westminster

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point