Eugene vs Surprise
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Eugene
Surprise
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 11.7%, with Surprise being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Eugene has equivalent purchasing power to $67,174 in Surprise.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Eugene has the same purchasing power as $67,174 in Surprise.
Conversely, $75,000 in Surprise equals $83,738 in Eugene.
Living in Eugene vs Surprise
Housing Costs
Eugene's housing index of 130 is higher Surprise's 105, translating to median home prices of $380,000 vs $419,000. The $39,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,532 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Eugene compared to $1,575/mo in Surprise, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 103 in Eugene and 100 in Surprise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $489/month in Eugene 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 91 in Eugene and 102 in Surprise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $364 in Eugene 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 106 in Eugene and 97 in Surprise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 9-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $49,448 in Eugene and $85,500 in Surprise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $42,998 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 $1,154/month to housing in Eugene vs $1,995/month in Surprise. In Eugene, median rent of $1,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. 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 25 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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