Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Staunton, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 12.4% more expensive than Staunton, VA. This translates to spending an extra $932 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Staunton, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Staunton, VA, you'd need approximately $161,188.677 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Staunton, VA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 32.5% more expensive than in Staunton, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $936/month in Staunton, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Staunton, VA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $932 more per month than Staunton, VA, or $11189 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Staunton, VA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Staunton, VA — COL adjusted from Richmond, VA area + state data

Current salary in Staunton, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $932/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.2K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$932

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Staunton, VA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$350K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$414K

Staunton, VA

The Old Dominion State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 26K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Staunton, VA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Staunton, VA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,104/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $685more	32.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,179/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $310more	26.3%
📦Other	$1,613/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $63.97more	4.0%
🛒Groceries	$919/mo	$963/mo	↑ $44.22more	4.8%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$589/mo	↓ $16.87less	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$550/mo	$561/mo	↑ $11.49more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.5%

Staunton, VA

$2,104

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$685

🚗Transportation

↑ 26.3%

Staunton, VA

$1,179

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$310

📦Other

↑ 4.0%

Staunton, VA

$1,613

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$63.97

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.8%

Staunton, VA

$919

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$44.22

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.8%

Staunton, VA

$605

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$16.87

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Staunton, VA

$550

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$11.49

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$663

To$1,390

↑ $727

1 Bed

From$741

To$1,510

↑ $769

2 Bed

From$936

To$1,750

↑ $814

3 Bed

From$1,287

To$2,330

↑ $1,043

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,970

Monthly in Staunton, VA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,098

Difference

Home Values

Staunton

Phoenix

Median Value

$414K

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Staunton, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Staunton, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.