Surprise vs Twin Falls

Category-by-Category Breakdown

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

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Surprise has the same purchasing power as $66,990 in Twin Falls.

Conversely, $75,000 in Twin Falls equals $83,967 in Surprise.

Living in Surprise vs Twin Falls

Housing Costs

Surprise's housing index of 105 is higher Twin Falls's 93, translating to median home prices of $419,000 vs $380,000. 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: $1,575/mo in Surprise compared to $1,150/mo in Twin Falls, a monthly difference of $425.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 100 in Surprise and 98 in Twin Falls. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $475/month in Surprise vs $466/month in Twin Falls. 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 102 in Surprise and 85 in Twin Falls. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Surprise vs $340 in Twin Falls. 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 97 in Surprise and 94 in Twin Falls. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $85,500 in Surprise and $60,900 in Twin Falls. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $83,010 and $66,196 respectively. Surprise residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,995/month to housing in Surprise vs $1,421/month in Twin Falls. In Surprise, median rent of $1,575/mo fits within this budget. In Twin Falls, median rent of $1,150/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases