Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Richmond

California
161

Washington is 6% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,900/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ≈ Same
$106,287/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 15%
$724,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 10%
$2,103/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 4%
672,079
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,249/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Richmond — common questions

Is Washington or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Richmond?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Richmond?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $16,249/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Richmond details →

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