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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Sacramento is 35% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,694/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 22%
$83,753/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 25%
$484,600 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 32%
$1,752/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 22%
524,802
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $21,082/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Richmond — common questions

Is Sacramento or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Richmond?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Richmond?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $21,082/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sacramento details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Richmond

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino