Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Richmond, VA

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

25.9% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
39.5% 39.5% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 39.5% cheaper
Boston
172
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Boston
110
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 13.0% cheaper
Boston
115
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 10.7% cheaper
Boston
112
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index13510025.9% less
Housing17210439.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,30050.0% less
Median Home Price$700,000$320,00054.3% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare11510013.0% less
Utilities11210010.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Richmond, VA
State Income Tax9.00% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Boston675,647
Richmond226,610

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 39.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $1,300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Richmond?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston to Richmond?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $380,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Virginia averages 0.74%.