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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Los Angeles is 91% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,879/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 30%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 63%
$2,055/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 33%
3,857,897
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $17,695/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Richmond — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Richmond?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Richmond?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $17,695/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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