Is Surprise, AZ cheaper than Glendale, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Surprise, AZ is 2.1% cheaper than Glendale, AZ. This translates to saving $160 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Glendale, AZ, you'd need approximately $148,081.395 in Surprise, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Glendale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?

Housing in Surprise, AZ is 6.8% cheaper than in Glendale, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ compared to $1,810/month in Glendale, AZ.

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

Moving from Glendale, AZ to Surprise, AZ could save you approximately $160 per month, or $1919 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Glendale, AZ 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 Glendale, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $160/month moving to Surprise, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Surprise, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$160

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Glendale, AZ

Population:248K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$398K

Surprise, AZ

Population:158K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$385K

Glendale, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

248K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 248K residents.

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: Glendale, AZ vs Surprise, AZ

Category	Glendale, AZ	Surprise, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,599/mo	↓ $190less	6.8%
All Utilities	$561/mo	$546/mo	↓ $14.75less	2.6%
Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $4.00less	0.4%
Other	$1,677/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $3.35less	0.2%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,489/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 6.8%

Glendale, AZ

$2,788

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Difference

$190

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Glendale, AZ

$561

Surprise, AZ

$546

Difference

$14.75

less

Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Glendale, AZ

$963

Surprise, AZ

$959

Difference

$4.00

less

Other

↓ 0.2%

Glendale, AZ

$1,677

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Difference

$3.35

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Glendale, AZ

$1,489

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Glendale, AZ

$589

Surprise, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,435

To$1,730

↑ $295

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,890

↑ $330

2 Bed

From$1,810

To$2,190

↑ $380

3 Bed

From$2,415

To$2,920

↑ $505

Glendale, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,160/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Glendale, AZ

$7,856

Monthly in Surprise, AZ

$212

Difference

Home Values

Glendale

Surprise

$398K

Median Value

$385K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.9%

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

$306K - $532K

Price Range

$385K

Homes in Surprise are 3% less expensive than Glendale

Calculate payment - Glendale Calculate payment - Surprise

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Glendale, 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

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

Glendale, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.