Surprise, AZ vs Yuma, AZ

The cost of living difference between Surprise, AZ and Yuma, AZ is dramatic. Yuma is 57.3% cheaper than Surprise, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Surprise has a cost index of 127 while Yuma sits at 81, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month compared to $1,085/month in Yuma — a 77% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Yuma is more affordable at $209,100 median vs $396,000.

Median household income in Surprise is $93,371 compared to $62,546 in Yuma (+49.3%). The higher salaries in Surprise partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Surprise spend roughly 24.6% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in Yuma.