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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Ventura

California
183

Richmond is 46% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,314/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 60%
$62,671/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 60%
$328,100 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 137%
$1,374/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 54%
227,595
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $37,736/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Ventura — common questions

Is Richmond or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Ventura?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Ventura?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $37,736/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Ventura details →

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