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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Richmond is 36% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,314/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 37%
$62,671/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 81%
$328,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 83%
$1,374/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 42%
227,595
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $50,725/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Arvada — common questions

Is Richmond or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Arvada?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Arvada?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $50,725/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Arvada details →

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