Peoria, AZ vs. Surprise, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Peoria vs Surprise. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Peoria vs Surprise in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Peoria and Surprise compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Peoria | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $450,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Surprise. Apartment rents are slightly higher, but house prices are more affordable in Surprise compared to Peoria.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In Peoria and Surprise, expect the following utility costs for a typical household:
- Electricity: $150-200/month
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-100/month
- Internet: $50-80/month
Both cities experience hot summers, so electric bills peak June-September. Many utilities offer off-peak and conservation plans.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Peoria and Surprise.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases are similar in cost between Peoria and Surprise. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month per person on food and incidentals in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in day-to-day living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Peoria’s property tax rate is 0.802% vs Surprise at 0.778%. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $100 per year. In Peoria, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Surprise has more variability.
🏆 Winner: Surprise. Slightly lower property taxes can add up to savings over time.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Peoria | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,500 | $2,350 |
| Utilities | $300 | $300 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $400 | $450 |
| Taxes | $300 | $280 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,500 in Peoria | $4,380 in Surprise |
Note: All income and cost figures are expressed as gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
Peoria offers more established neighborhoods, mature trees, and closer proximity to central Phoenix. Surprise has more new construction, planned communities, and further-out suburbs.
Peoria averages 2°F cooler than Surprise in the summer months. But Surprise has more golf courses and recreation centers per capita.
7. FAQ
- Is Peoria more affordable than Surprise? Slightly more expensive overall, but fairly comparable.
- Which city has lower rent? Peoria has lower apartment rents on average.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Median home prices are about 5% lower in Surprise.
8. Conclusion
Peoria and Surprise offer a similar cost of living, with Surprise coming out slightly ahead on housing and taxes. Peoria may appeal more to established families and those who value central location, while Surprise attracts those seeking newer homes and amenities in the suburbs.
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