Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Richmond is 61% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,314/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 91%
$62,671/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 157%
$328,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 267%
$1,374/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 88%
227,595
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,191/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $14,292/year.

Median household income is $98,629/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Richmond or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Bellevue?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,191/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Bellevue?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $98,629/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Bellevue details →

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