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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Orange

California
206

Richmond is 52% cheaper than Orange.

$1,314/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 71%
$62,671/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 87%
$328,100 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 175%
$1,374/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 74%
227,595
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $54,274/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Orange — common questions

Is Richmond or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Orange?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Orange?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $54,274/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Orange

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City