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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

7.4% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
5.5% 5.5% cheaper housing
7.5% 7.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 7.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.8% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1081007.4% less
Housing1101045.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,30013.3% less
Median Home Price$280,000$320,00014.3% more
Groceries106987.5% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1051004.8% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Richmond, VA
State Income Tax3.07%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Richmond outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Richmond226,610

Moving from Philadelphia to Richmond?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 5.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Richmond?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Richmond?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Virginia averages 0.74%.