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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Glendale

California
214

Richmond is 54% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,314/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 59%
$62,671/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 34%
$328,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 218%
$1,374/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 61%
227,595
Population
192,270

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $21,591/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Glendale — common questions

Is Richmond or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Glendale?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Glendale?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $21,591/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Glendale details →

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