Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Alexandria is 37% more expensive than Surprise.

$2,031/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 6%
$113,638/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 18%
$696,800 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 43%
$2,173/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 27%
156,788
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $20,267/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Surprise — common questions

Is Alexandria or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Surprise?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Surprise?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $20,267/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arizona?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Surprise

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite