Scottsdale, AZ vs Surprise, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison
Surprise has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Scottsdale | Surprise | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 160 | 112 | Surprise |
| Housing | 204 ($1,337) | 114 ($1,342) | Surprise |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Scottsdale |
| Food & groceries | 144 ($590) | 125 ($513) | Surprise |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 107 ($205) | Surprise |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 107 ($148) | Surprise |
| Median annual wage | 103 ($50,060) | 103 ($50,060) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scottsdale, AZ or Surprise, AZ cheaper to live in?
Surprise, AZ is cheaper overall by about 48 index points (Scottsdale, AZ: 160, Surprise, AZ: 112; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Scottsdale, AZ vs Surprise, AZ?
A single adult needs roughly $56,000/year in Scottsdale, AZ and $39,200/year in Surprise, AZ to cover basic living costs.