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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Richmond is 22% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,314/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 46%
$62,671/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 49%
$328,100 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 21%
$1,374/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 16%
227,595
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $30,700/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Surprise — common questions

Is Richmond or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Surprise?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Surprise?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $30,700/year higher in Surprise.
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 Richmond or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Surprise

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite