Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Tucson is 10% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $67,718 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $35,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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