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Cost of Living: Sacramento, 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.

15.3% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
26.8% 26.8% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% cheaper
Sacramento
142
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Sacramento
104
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Sacramento
112
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.4% cheaper
Sacramento
108
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Sacramento
100
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Sacramento, CA Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index11810015.3% less
Housing14210426.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,30021.2% less
Median Home Price$450,000$320,00028.9% less
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1081007.4% less
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, CA
$78,000
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 Sacramento lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Sacramento (118) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Sacramento4.2%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Sacramento2.7%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Sacramento27 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Sacramento44
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Sacramento50
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Sacramento61°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Sacramento524,943
Richmond226,610

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Sacramento 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

Sacramento vs Austin → Sacramento vs Denver → Sacramento vs Nashville → Richmond vs Raleigh → Richmond vs Portland → Richmond vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacramento 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 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Sacramento vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Sacramento and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Richmond?+
Median household income in Sacramento is $78,000 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 Sacramento vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Sacramento is $450,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Virginia averages 0.74%.