2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Council Bluffs, IA vs Surprise, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Surprise older or younger than people in Council Bluffs?
- The Median Age in Surprise is 3.1 years older than in Council Bluffs.

Are housing costs cheaper in Surprise or Council Bluffs?
- Surprise housing costs are 117.2% more expensive than Council Bluffs housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Surprise or Council Bluffs?
- The average commute for residents of Surprise is 11.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Council Bluffs.

Things to do in Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs, Iowa is a vibrant city located in Pottawattamie County. This bustling community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Union Pacific Railroad Museum or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available in Hitchcock Nature Center, Lake Manawa State Park and Bayliss Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Council Bluffs their home.

Things to do in Surprise?
Surprise, Arizona is a beautiful city located in the northwest corner of the state. Here visitors and residents can find plenty to do from exploring the quaint downtown area or taking part in one of many popular festivals held throughout the year. With excellent schools, thriving businesses and plenty of recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Surprise their home. There are also numerous dining options, shopping centers and entertainment venues available for those looking for some fun!

 Council Bluffs, IASurprise, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock141,875329,725,481
 Median Income$57,683  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$190,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.6  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Council Bluffs    4 Reviews

It's an okay city. Nothing special really. All the fun things to do and good restaurants are across the river in Omaha. I will say CB has some pretty good recreational  More

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Over 9 years ago

Quietly over the years this community has taken untold amounts of riverfront casino tax dollars and converted them into hundreds and hundreds of community improvement  More

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Over 15 years ago

here in council bluffs iowa, we have low crime rate. There have been an increase in shopping areas in the last 2 years and lots of new resturants and three casinos. It  More

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Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 11 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  More

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