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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Richmond

California
161

Surprise is 22% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,917/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 1%
$93,371/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 4%
$396,000 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 64%
$1,587/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 27%
149,519
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,333/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Richmond — common questions

Is Surprise or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Richmond?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Richmond?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $3,333/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Surprise details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Richmond

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell