Cost of Living: Richmond, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Richmond

California
161
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Richmond is 88% more expensive than High Point.

$1,895/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 44%
$90,038/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 32%
$650,100 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 67%
$2,015/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 46%
115,396
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 161 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $833/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $9,996/year.

Median household income is $28,810/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $650,100 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs High Point — common questions

Is Richmond or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and High Point?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,895/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $833/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or High Point?
Median household income is $90,038 in Richmond and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $28,810/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 161 with median rent of $1,895/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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