Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs Richmond, VA

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

13.6% Richmond, VA is more expensive overall
36.8% 36.8% more expensive housing
5.4% 5.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.8% more
Oklahoma City
76
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 5.4% more
Oklahoma City
93
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Oklahoma City
96
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% more
Oklahoma City
92
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Oklahoma City
100
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index8810013.6% more
Housing7610436.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,30036.8% more
Median Home Price$210,000$320,00052.4% more
Groceries93985.4% more
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare921008.7% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK Richmond, VA
State Income Tax4.75%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.50%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
Median household income
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Richmond costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
Richmond226,610

Moving from Oklahoma City to Richmond?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma City 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

Oklahoma City vs Austin → Oklahoma City vs Denver → Oklahoma City vs Nashville → Richmond vs Raleigh → Richmond vs Portland → Richmond vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oklahoma City or Richmond cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 36.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or Richmond?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to Richmond?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Virginia averages 0.74%.