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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

26.5% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
41.6% 41.6% 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 41.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index13610026.5% less
Housing17810441.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,30048.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$320,00063.6% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare11210010.7% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Richmond, VA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Richmond226,610

Moving from Los Angeles to Richmond?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 41.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $1,200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Richmond?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Richmond?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $560,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Virginia averages 0.74%.