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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Ontario

California
152

Richmond is 36% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,314/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 46%
$62,671/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 32%
$328,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 73%
$1,374/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 43%
227,595
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $602/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $7,224/year.

Median household income is $20,135/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Ontario — common questions

Is Richmond or Ontario 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 Ontario?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $602/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Ontario?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $20,135/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Ontario

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa