Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Tempe is 5% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,623/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 18%
$77,643/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 20%
$421,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 6%
$1,554/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 2%
186,419
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $15,728/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Surprise — common questions

Is Tempe or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Surprise?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Surprise?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $15,728/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Surprise

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite