Richmond, VA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Richmond has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Richmond | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 95 | 163 | Richmond |
| Housing | 94 ($920) | 208 ($1,330) | Richmond |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Richmond |
| Food & groceries | 84 ($344) | 142 ($582) | Richmond |
| Utilities | 97 ($169) | 154 ($374) | Richmond |
| Healthcare | 97 ($122) | 154 ($270) | Richmond |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 189 ($91,540) | Richmond |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond, VA or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Richmond, VA is cheaper overall by about 68 index points (Richmond, VA: 95, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Richmond, VA vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $33,250/year in Richmond, VA and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.