2026 Compare Cities Education:
Modesto, CA vs Surprise, AZ

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Highlights
- Surprise spends 24.9% less per student than Modesto.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 16.9% lower in Surprise than in Modesto. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Surprise had 12.1% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Modesto
 Modesto, CASurprise, AZUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$10,564$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$12,636  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$4,810$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio21.95  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock23484573
 Students per Counselor729  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.7%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.8.7%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock93.5%88.9%
 Some College Educ.26.3%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock10.8%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.19.5%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock8.5%9.3%
 Professional Degree1.6%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock0.8%1.5%
Reviews for Modesto    35 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was born and raised here (still currently live here) and there are some nice areas and not so nice areas. I really think we need to improve our community and create  More

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Over 5 years ago

It's fine. Lived here for over 10 years. Here's my breakdown. CONS: Crime rate: mostly on the westside, unless you live in better developed areas. Summer weather:  More

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I know this website is probably only for adults, which I am not, but I thought perhaps adults would like to hear a kid's perspective of things, you know, if any adult  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 12 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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