Is College Station, TX cheaper than Surprise, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, College Station, TX is 12.3% cheaper than Surprise, AZ. This translates to saving $926 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Surprise, AZ, you'd need approximately $138,892.176 in College Station, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in College Station, TX is 30.4% cheaper than in Surprise, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in College Station, TX compared to $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ.

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

Moving from Surprise, AZ to College Station, TX could save you approximately $926 per month, or $11108 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Surprise, AZ vs College Station, TX: 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 Surprise, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $926/month moving to College Station, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.9K in College Station, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$926

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.1K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$385K

College Station, TX

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$319K

Surprise, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

158K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

College Station, TX

The Lone Star State

125K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 125K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Surprise, AZ vs College Station, TX

Category	Surprise, AZ	College Station, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,599/mo	$1,809/mo	↓ $790less	30.4%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,330/mo	↓ $159less	10.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$873/mo	↓ $86.39less	9.0%
Other	$1,674/mo	$1,622/mo	↓ $52.17less	3.1%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$538/mo	↓ $50.33less	8.6%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$529/mo	↓ $17.28less	3.2%

Housing

↓ 30.4%

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

College Station, TX

$1,809

Difference

$790

less

Transportation

↓ 10.7%

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

College Station, TX

$1,330

Difference

$159

less

Groceries

↓ 9.0%

Surprise, AZ

$959

College Station, TX

$873

Difference

$86.39

less

Other

↓ 3.1%

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

College Station, TX

$1,622

Difference

$52.17

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.6%

Surprise, AZ

$589

College Station, TX

$538

Difference

$50.33

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.2%

Surprise, AZ

$546

College Station, TX

$529

Difference

$17.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$842

↓ $888

1 Bed

From$1,890

To$889

↓ $1,001

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$975

↓ $1,215

3 Bed

From$2,920

To$1,357

↓ $1,563

Surprise, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/mo

College Station, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090–$1,190/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

$6,701

Monthly in College Station, TX

$1,155

Difference

Home Values

Surprise

College Station

$385K

Median Value

$319K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↑ +0.8%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.6%

$385K

Price Range

$281K - $358K

Homes in College Station are 17% less expensive than Surprise

Calculate payment - Surprise Calculate payment - College Station

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

College Station, 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%

College Station, 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.