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Surprise, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Surprise is a city in Maricopa County, in the U.S. state of Arizona. The population was 143,148 at the 2020 census, up from 117,517 in 2010 and 30,848 in 2000.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$324/mo

1BR Rent$1249/mo

Sales Tax8.1%

COL Index94.3 (-5.7% below national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$340,000

📷 Live Cameras — Surprise

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🌤️ Live Weather — Surprise

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Surprise

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$143/mo

Arizona Public Service (APS)

🔥 Gas

$43/mo

Southwest Gas

💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Surprise

🗑️ Garbage

$28/mo

Republic Services

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$324/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1249/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1599/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2149/mo
Median Home Price	$340,000
Property Tax Rate	0.81%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Surprise is relatively affordable, with a mix of new and established neighborhoods. Home prices have been rising in recent years, but the city still offers a range of options for buyers and renters. New developments and master-planned communities are also being built to accommodate the growing population

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94.3

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

-5.7% below national average

Groceries

96.2

Transportation

88.2

Healthcare

97.2

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	8.1%
Property Tax Rate	0.81%
<p>State 5.6% + County 0.7% + City 1.8%</p>

Arizona has a state income tax rate ranging from 2.59% to 4.54%, depending on income level

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.1/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+15% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

High, with key industries in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Traffic, public safety, education

🚌 Transit for Families

Surprise has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible buses and some pedestrian-friendly areas

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Surprise Lake
🎯
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
🎯
Wildlife World Zoo

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Surprise include Marley Park, Greer Ranch, and Sierra Montana, which offer a range of amenities, parks, and community events. These areas are also relatively safe and have good schools

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Surprise based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Surprise has regulations regarding outdoor water usage, pet licensing, and building permits

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Surprise — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

In Surprise, summer months bring high electricity costs due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see lower utility bills. However, the hot desert climate means that summer utility costs can be significantly higher than the rest of the year