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Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA 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.

2.0% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
3.7% 3.7% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.7% cheaper
Virginia Beach
108
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Virginia Beach
99
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Virginia Beach
100
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Virginia Beach
98
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Virginia Beach
100
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Virginia Beach, VA Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index102100~Same
Housing1081043.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,3003.7% less
Median Home Price$340,000$320,0005.9% less
Groceries9998~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare98100~Same
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Virginia Beach, VA Richmond, VA
State Income Tax5.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.30%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.74%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
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 Virginia Beach lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Virginia Beach (102) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Virginia Beach3.5%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Virginia Beach2.3%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Virginia Beach25 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Virginia Beach22
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Virginia Beach34
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Virginia Beach60°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Virginia Beach459,470
Richmond226,610

Moving from Virginia Beach to Richmond?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 3.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Virginia Beach vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Virginia Beach and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Virginia Beach or Richmond?+
Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Virginia Beach to Richmond?+
Median household income in Virginia Beach is $76,000 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 Virginia Beach vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Virginia Beach is $340,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: Virginia averages 0.74% while Virginia averages 0.74%.