2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Diego, CA vs Surprise, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Surprise or is it cheaper to live in San Diego?
- Surprise is 27.0% less expensive than San Diego.

Which city has more affordable housing, Surprise or San Diego?
- Surprise housing costs are 55.7% less expensive than San Diego housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Diego or is Health Care more affordable in Surprise.
- Health related expenses are 3.9% more in Surprise.
 San Diego, CASurprise, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries109.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.5100
 Housing278.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$413,400$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock104.5100
 Miscellaneous153.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

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The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

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I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. 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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