Glendale, AZ vs Surprise, AZ

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Glendale is 15.5% cheaper than Surprise. With a cost index of 107 vs 127, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Glendale to Surprise should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month compared to $1,917/month in Surprise — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Glendale is more affordable at $347,000 median vs $396,000.

Median household income in Glendale is $70,139 compared to $93,371 in Surprise (-24.9%). While Surprise is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Glendale spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, less than the 24.6% in Surprise.