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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Tucson is 40% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,079/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 78%
$54,546/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 71%
$242,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 64%
$1,076/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 47%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $838/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $10,056/year.

Median household income is $38,825/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Surprise — common questions

Is Tucson or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Surprise?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $838/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Surprise?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $38,825/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 Tucson or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Surprise details →

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