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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

12.3% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
24.6% 24.6% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.6% cheaper
Portland
138
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% cheaper
Portland
107
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Portland
88
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index11410012.3% less
Housing13810424.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,30016.1% less
Median Home Price$485,000$320,00034.0% less
Groceries103984.9% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1071006.5% less
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Richmond, VA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Portland652,503
Richmond226,610

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 24.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Richmond?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Richmond?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Virginia averages 0.74%.