San Tan Valley, AZ vs Surprise, AZ

San Tan Valley, AZ and Surprise, AZ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.4% difference in their overall index. San Tan Valley scores 123 while Surprise scores 127 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in San Tan Valley is $1,857/month compared to $1,917/month in Surprise — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: San Tan Valley is more affordable at $365,900 median vs $396,000.

Median household income in San Tan Valley is $93,642 compared to $93,371 in Surprise (+0.3%). San Tan Valley offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of San Tan Valley spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, less than the 24.6% in Surprise.