Richmond, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA: Cost of Living Comparison
Richmond has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Richmond | Virginia Beach | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 95 | 107 | Richmond |
| Housing | 94 ($920) | 105 ($1,154) | Richmond |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Virginia Beach |
| Food & groceries | 84 ($344) | 121 ($496) | Richmond |
| Utilities | 97 ($169) | 103 ($189) | Richmond |
| Healthcare | 97 ($122) | 103 ($137) | 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 Richmond, VA or Virginia Beach, VA cheaper to live in?
Richmond, VA is cheaper overall by about 12 index points (Richmond, VA: 95, Virginia Beach, VA: 107; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Richmond, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA?
A single adult needs roughly $33,250/year in Richmond, VA and $37,450/year in Virginia Beach, VA to cover basic living costs.