Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Denver is 50% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,770/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 26%
$91,681/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 32%
$586,700 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 44%
$1,839/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 25%
713,734
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $29,010/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Richmond — common questions

Is Denver or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Richmond?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Richmond?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $29,010/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Richmond details →

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