55
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
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Surprise — The Verdict
Surprise scores 63.5/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 5 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Surprise has a clear edge with home prices 52% lower. Surprise may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Surprise are 52% lower — a difference of $379,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in New York saves you $108/month — that's $1,296 per year.
💵
Households in Surprise earn $11,149 more per year (15% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$732,100
$352,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,822
Median Income
$76,607
$87,756
The affordability gap is significant — Surprise offers home prices 52% lower than New York, translating to $379,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
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)
9
11
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Surprise: Common Questions
Is New York or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Surprise is more affordable overall. Home prices are $379,500 lower in Surprise. Monthly rent is $1,714 in New York vs $1,822 in Surprise.
Does New York or Surprise have better weather?
Surprise scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Surprise better for finding a job?
Surprise currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 4.3% in Surprise. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $87,756 in Surprise.
Which city is safer — New York or Surprise?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Surprise. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Surprise.
Should I move from New York to Surprise?
Based on our data, Surprise scores 63.5/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Surprise is more affordable, while Surprise has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York 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.