Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Boston is 80% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,093/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 37%
$94,755/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 34%
$710,400 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 54%
$2,176/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 37%
663,972
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $32,084/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Richmond — common questions

Is Boston or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Richmond?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Richmond?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $32,084/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Richmond details →

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