Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Anaheim is 84% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,082/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 37%
$90,583/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 31%
$771,700 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 57%
$2,165/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 37%
344,553
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $27,912/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Richmond — common questions

Is Anaheim or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Richmond?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Richmond?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $27,912/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Richmond details →