Arlington, VA vs Richmond, VA: Cost of Living Comparison
Richmond has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Richmond | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 95 | Richmond |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 94 ($920) | Richmond |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 84 ($344) | Richmond |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 97 ($169) | Richmond |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 97 ($122) | Richmond |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 115 ($55,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Richmond, VA cheaper to live in?
Richmond, VA is cheaper overall by about 95 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Richmond, VA: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Richmond, VA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $33,250/year in Richmond, VA to cover basic living costs.