2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
New Bern, NC vs Surprise, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Surprise or is it cheaper to live in New Bern?
- Surprise is 35.2% more expensive than New Bern.

Which city has more affordable housing, Surprise or New Bern?
- Surprise housing costs are 97.8% more expensive than New Bern housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in New Bern or is Health Care more affordable in Surprise.
- Health related expenses are 28.1% less in Surprise.
 New Bern, NCSurprise, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries97.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.5100
 Housing62.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$413,400$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock104.5100
 Miscellaneous97.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for New Bern    12 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

New Bern is a nice quiet town. The people are very nice. The cost of living is low which would be great if you are retiring from a big city. There is always a place eat,  More

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I’ve lived here for my hole Life I’m 12 and I just wanna say if u what snow every xmas and on Xmas don’t come here bc u won’t get it. Now if u want a very hot summer  More

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Over 6 years ago

My wife and I spent a week here and found it to be an enjoyable area. I have been looking to move to NC for a while now and I think this trip talked her into 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 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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