Is Tempe, AZ cheaper than Surprise, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Tempe, AZ is 5.0% more expensive than Surprise, AZ. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Surprise, AZ, you'd need approximately $154,455.446 in Tempe, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Tempe, AZ is 10.0% more expensive than in Surprise, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ compared to $2,190/month in Surprise, AZ.

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

Living in Tempe, AZ costs approximately $371 more per month than Surprise, AZ, or $4455 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Surprise, AZ vs Tempe, 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 Surprise, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in Tempe, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in Tempe, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

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

Tempe, AZ

Population:190K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$452K

Surprise, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

158K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 190K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Surprise, AZ vs Tempe, AZ

Category	Surprise, AZ	Tempe, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,599/mo	$2,859/mo	↑ $260more	10.0%
Other	$1,674/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $100more	6.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,489/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$546/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 10.0%

Surprise, AZ

$2,599

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Difference

$260

Other

↑ 6.0%

Surprise, AZ

$1,674

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Difference

$100

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$959

Tempe, AZ

$959

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$1,489

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$546

Tempe, AZ

$546

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Surprise, AZ

$589

Tempe, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$1,620

↓ $110

1 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,760

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$2,045

↓ $145

3 Bed

From$2,920

To$2,725

↓ $195

Surprise, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/mo

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/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

$8,216

Monthly in Tempe, AZ

$360

Difference

Home Values

Surprise

Tempe

$385K

Median Value

$452K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.9%

$385K

Price Range

$397K - $701K

Homes in Tempe are 18% more expensive than Surprise

Calculate payment - Surprise Calculate payment - Tempe

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

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

Tempe, 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

Surprise, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Tempe, 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.