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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Virginia Beach is 7% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,649/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 16%
$90,685/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 3%
$366,300 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 8%
$1,704/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 7%
457,066
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

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $2,686/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Surprise — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Surprise?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Surprise?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $2,686/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 Virginia Beach or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Surprise

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite