Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Richmond is 16% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $62,805 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $280,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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