Is Surprise, AZ cheaper than Denton, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Surprise, AZ is 4.6% cheaper than Denton, TX. This translates to saving $348 per month.

What salary do I need in Surprise, AZ to live like I do in Denton, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Denton, TX, you'd need approximately $145,820.507 in Surprise, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denton, TX and Surprise, AZ?

Housing in Surprise, AZ is 9.0% more expensive than in Denton, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ compared to $1,567/month in Denton, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denton, TX to Surprise, AZ?

Moving from Denton, TX to Surprise, AZ could save you approximately $348 per month, or $4179 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denton, TX vs Surprise, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Denton, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $348/month moving to Surprise, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.8K in Surprise, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$348

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$354K

Surprise, AZ

Population:158K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$385K

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Surprise, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

158K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 158K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Denton, TX vs Surprise, AZ

Category	Denton, TX	Surprise, AZ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,924/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $250less	13.0%
Housing	$2,384/mo	$2,599/mo	↑ $215more	9.0%
Transportation	$1,297/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $192more	14.8%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.13less	6.8%
Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.61less	2.0%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$546/mo	↓ $16.18less	2.9%

Other

↓ 13.0%

Denton, TX

$1,924

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Difference

$250

less

Housing

↑ 9.0%

Denton, TX

$2,384

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Difference

$215

Transportation

↑ 14.8%

Denton, TX

$1,297

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$192

Healthcare

↓ 6.8%

Denton, TX

$632

Surprise, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.13

less

Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Denton, TX

$979

Surprise, AZ

$959

Difference

$19.61

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.9%

Denton, TX

$563

Surprise, AZ

$546

Difference

$16.18

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,283

To$1,730

↑ $447

1 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,890

↑ $552

2 Bed

From$1,567

To$2,190

↑ $623

3 Bed

From$1,970

To$2,920

↑ $950

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/mo

Surprise, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$7,856

Monthly in Surprise, AZ

$78.62

Difference

Home Values

Denton

Surprise

$354K

Median Value

$385K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.9%

↑ +27.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

$273K - $402K

Price Range

$385K

Homes in Surprise are 9% more expensive than Denton

Calculate payment - Denton Calculate payment - Surprise

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Denton, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Surprise, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Denton, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Surprise, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.