Is Austin, TX cheaper than Surprise, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.0% more expensive than Surprise, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $149 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Surprise, AZ, you'd need approximately $151,782.178 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 11.0% more expensive than in Surprise, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $149 more per month than Surprise, AZ, or $1782 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Surprise, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Glendale, AZ area

Current salary in Surprise, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $149/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$149

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

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

Surprise, AZ

Population:158K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$385K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$558K

Surprise, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

158K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Surprise, AZ vs Austin, TX

Category	Surprise, AZ	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,599/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $286more	11.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $205less	13.8%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $66.96more	4.0%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$541/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 11.0%

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$286

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↑ 4.0%

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$66.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.0%

Surprise, AZ

$546

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.46

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$589

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$1,585

↓ $145

1 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,685

↓ $205

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,995

↓ $195

3 Bed

From$2,920

To$2,525

↓ $395

Surprise, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,856

Monthly in Surprise, AZ

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$142

Difference

Home Values

Surprise

Austin

$385K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$385K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 45% more expensive than Surprise

Calculate payment - Surprise Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

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

Austin, 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

Additional Tax Information

Surprise, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.