Surprise, AZ Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 2 Location

Surprise, AZ Utility & Living Guide

Living in Surprise, AZ offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities in the Phoenix metropolitan area

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 Weather — Surprise
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Surprise
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Surprise
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Surprise?

Moving to Surprise? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 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 Rate0.81%
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 Tax8.1%
Property Tax Rate0.81%
<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

55

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.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Local Regulation Notice

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

Relocation Overview

The city of Surprise is experiencing growth in the tech and healthcare industries, with major companies like Microsoft and Banner Health having a presence in the area. This growth is expected to continue, with new developments and job opportunities emerging

Live Local News

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 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

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The city of Surprise has a property tax rate of 0.81%, with varying millage rates depending on the ZIP code and school district

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, Surprise has some pedestrian-friendly areas and accessible parks, but sidewalk quality and elevator access in transit can be limited in some areas

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.