Surprise vs Tempe: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Surprise | Tempe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,681 | $1,572 | +7% |
| Median household income | $96,711 | $79,663 | +19% |
| Grocery cost index | 95.4 | 95.4 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $137 | $137 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$79,462
- Difference
- -$538