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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Richmond is 68% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,314/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 127%
$62,671/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 177%
$328,100 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 366%
$1,374/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 122%
227,595
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,671/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $20,052/year.

Median household income is $110,999/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Richmond or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,671/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $110,999/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Santa Clara

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville