Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Surprise, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.0% cheaper than Surprise, AZ. This translates to saving $297 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Surprise, AZ, you'd need approximately $146,435.644 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Surprise, AZ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.0% cheaper than in Surprise, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ.

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

Moving from Surprise, AZ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $297 per month, or $3564 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Surprise, AZ vs Raleigh, NC: 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 save $297/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.4K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$297

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.6K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Surprise, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

158K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Surprise, AZ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Surprise, AZ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $205less	13.8%
🏠Housing	$2,599/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $130less	5.0%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $33.48more	2.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$546/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$205

less

🏠Housing

↓ 5.0%

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$130

less

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$33.48

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Surprise, AZ

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.39

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$546

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$1,570

↓ $160

1 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,640

↓ $250

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,800

↓ $390

3 Bed

From$2,920

To$2,255

↓ $665

Surprise, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$289

Difference

Home Values

Surprise

Raleigh

$385K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$385K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 33% more expensive than Surprise

Calculate payment - Surprise Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$158

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Surprise, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.