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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

23.1% Richmond, VA is cheaper overall
35.8% 35.8% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 35.8% cheaper
Washington
162
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Washington
108
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation 19.7% cheaper
Washington
122
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare 9.1% cheaper
Washington
110
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Washington
105
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index13010023.1% less
Housing16210435.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,30040.9% less
Median Home Price$620,000$320,00048.4% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation1229819.7% less
Healthcare1101009.1% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Richmond, VA
State Income Tax10.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Washington689,545
Richmond226,610

Moving from Washington to Richmond?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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 Washington 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 35.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $900 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Richmond?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Richmond?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Richmond?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $300,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Virginia averages 0.74%.