Home › Compare › Atlanta, GA vs Richmond, VA

Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Richmond, VA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

6.5% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
8.8% 8.8% cheaper housing
3.9% 3.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.8% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 3.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 10.1% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Atlanta
102
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Atlanta
99
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1071006.5% less
Housing1141048.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,30021.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$320,00015.8% less
Groceries102983.9% less
Transportation1099810.1% less
Healthcare102100~Same
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Richmond, VA
State Income Tax5.39%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Richmond costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Richmond to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Richmond226,610

Moving from Atlanta to Richmond?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Richmond → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Richmond →

Compare Other Cities

Atlanta vs Austin → Atlanta vs Denver → Atlanta vs Nashville → Richmond vs Raleigh → Richmond vs Portland → Richmond vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Richmond cheaper to live in?+
Richmond is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Richmond?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Richmond?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $62,000 in Richmond. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Virginia averages 0.74%.