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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Scottsdale is 68% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,910/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 31%
$107,372/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 42%
$709,900 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 54%
$1,824/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 25%
242,169
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $596/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $7,152/year.

Median household income is $44,701/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Richmond — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Richmond?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $596/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Richmond?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $44,701/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Scottsdale details → View Richmond details →

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