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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Washington is 73% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,900/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 31%
$106,287/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 41%
$724,600 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 55%
$2,103/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 35%
672,079
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $43,616/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond 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 98 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 $1,314/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Richmond?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $43,616/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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