Is Surprise, AZ cheaper than Plano, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Surprise, AZ is 0.0% cheaper than Plano, TX. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

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

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

Housing in Surprise, AZ is 8.7% more expensive than in Plano, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ compared to $2,340/month in Plano, TX.

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

Plano, TX and Surprise, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Plano, 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 Plano, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

Plano, TX and Surprise, AZ have similar living costs

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

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

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

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

Plano, TX

Population:285K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$496K

Surprise, AZ

Population:158K

Cost Index:

100

(national average)

Median Home:$385K

Plano, TX

The Lone Star State

285K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 285K 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: Plano, TX vs Surprise, AZ

Category	Plano, TX	Surprise, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,599/mo	↑ $208more	8.7%
Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $191more	14.7%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $100less	5.7%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$546/mo	↓ $16.39less	2.9%

Housing

↑ 8.7%

Plano, TX

$2,391

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Difference

$208

Transportation

↑ 14.7%

Plano, TX

$1,298

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$191

Other

↓ 5.7%

Plano, TX

$1,774

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Difference

$100

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Plano, TX

$632

Surprise, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Plano, TX

$979

Surprise, AZ

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.9%

Plano, TX

$563

Surprise, AZ

$546

Difference

$16.39

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,915

To$1,730

↓ $185

1 Bed

From$2,000

To$1,890

↓ $110

2 Bed

From$2,340

To$2,190

↓ $150

3 Bed

From$2,945

To$2,920

↓ $25.00

Plano, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,770–$2,200/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Plano, TX

$7,856

Monthly in Surprise, AZ

$219

Difference

Home Values

Plano

Surprise

$496K

Median Value

$385K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.9%

↑ +35%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

$361K - $725K

Price Range

$385K

Homes in Surprise are 22% less expensive than Plano

Calculate payment - Plano 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

Plano, 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

Plano, 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.