Columbus vs Surprise
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Columbus
Surprise
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 24.3%, with Columbus being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Columbus has equivalent purchasing power to $99,038 in Surprise.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Columbus has the same purchasing power as $99,038 in Surprise.
Conversely, $75,000 in Surprise equals $56,796 in Columbus.
Living in Columbus vs Surprise
Housing Costs
Columbus's housing index of 57 is lower Surprise's 105, translating to median home prices of $222,000 vs $419,000. The $197,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,804 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,050/mo in Columbus compared to $1,575/mo in Surprise, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Columbus and 100 in Surprise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Columbus vs $475/month in Surprise. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 86 in Columbus and 102 in Surprise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $344 in Columbus vs $408 in Surprise. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 85 in Columbus and 97 in Surprise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $58,100 in Columbus and $85,500 in Surprise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $74,487 and $83,010 respectively. Surprise residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,356/month to housing in Columbus vs $1,995/month in Surprise. In Columbus, median rent of $1,050/mo fits within this budget. In Surprise, median rent of $1,575/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 48 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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