47
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 5 of 7 categories
Surprise wins 5–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Surprise wins 0–5 overall (63/100)
💰 Surprise is more affordable
💼 Surprise has lower unemployment
🛡️ Surprise has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Surprise — The Verdict
Surprise scores 63.5/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 5 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Surprise has a clear edge with home prices 57% lower. Surprise has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, Surprise has a notably lower disaster history with 43 fewer declarations in 20 years. Surprise may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Surprise are 57% lower — a difference of $470,000 in median home value.
💵
Households in Surprise earn $11,512 more per year (15% higher median income).
📊
Surprise has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Surprise has experienced 43 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$352,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,822
Median Income
$76,244
$87,756
The affordability gap is significant — Surprise offers home prices 57% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $470,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.3%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Surprise having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
38 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
11
Surprise has a markedly lower disaster history — 43 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Surprise: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Surprise is more affordable overall. Home prices are $470,000 lower in Surprise. Monthly rent is $1,791 in Los Angeles vs $1,822 in Surprise.
Does Los Angeles or Surprise have better weather?
Surprise scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Surprise better for finding a job?
Surprise currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.3% in Surprise. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $87,756 in Surprise.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Surprise?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Surprise is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Surprise. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Surprise.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Surprise?
Based on our data, Surprise scores 63.5/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Surprise is more affordable, while Surprise has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Surprise?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.