City Comparison

London vs Surprise

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

London

United Kingdom
115
Above Average
$695,000
Median Home
$2,400/mo
Median Rent
$55,000
Median Income

Surprise

Arizona
103
Average
$419,000
Median Home
$1,575/mo
Median Rent
$85,500
Median Income

The Verdict

11.7%

The cost gap between these cities is 11.7%, with Surprise being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in London has equivalent purchasing power to $67,174 in Surprise.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Housing
162
London
105
Surprise
Groceries
92
London
100
Surprise
Utilities
112
London
102
Surprise
Transportation
125
London
106
Surprise
Healthcare
78
London
97
Surprise

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in London has the same purchasing power as $67,174 in Surprise.

Conversely, $75,000 in Surprise equals $83,738 in London.

Living in London vs Surprise

Housing Costs

London's housing index of 162 is higher Surprise's 105, translating to median home prices of $695,000 vs $419,000. The $276,000 difference in home prices means roughly $17,940 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,400/mo in London compared to $1,575/mo in Surprise, a monthly difference of $825.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 92 in London and 100 in Surprise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in London vs $475/month in Surprise. London offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 112 in London and 102 in Surprise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $448 in London vs $408 in Surprise. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 78 in London and 97 in Surprise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 19-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $55,000 in London and $85,500 in Surprise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $47,826 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 $1,283/month to housing in London vs $1,995/month in Surprise. In London, median rent of $2,400/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 57 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise is 11.7% more affordable overall with an index of 103 vs 115.
A $75,000 salary in London has equivalent purchasing power to approximately $67,174 in Surprise, based on the cost of living difference.
London's housing index is 162 with median homes at $695,000, while Surprise's is 105 with median homes at $419,000.

Moving & Relocation Resources

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