Is Richmond, VA cheaper than Arlington, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Richmond, VA is 32.7% cheaper than Arlington, VA. This translates to saving $2449 per month.

What salary do I need in Richmond, VA to live like I do in Arlington, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, VA, you'd need approximately $120,606.953 in Richmond, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Arlington, VA and Richmond, VA?

Housing in Richmond, VA is 53.4% cheaper than in Arlington, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,710/month in Richmond, VA compared to $2,325/month in Arlington, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Arlington, VA to Richmond, VA?

Moving from Arlington, VA to Richmond, VA could save you approximately $2449 per month, or $29393 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, VA vs Richmond, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Arlington, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Richmond, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $120.6K in Richmond, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,449

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, VA

Population:239K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

(33% below avg)

Median Home:$350K

Arlington, VA

The Old Dominion State

239K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 239K residents.

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, VA vs Richmond, VA

Category	Arlington, VA	Richmond, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,461/mo	$2,547/mo	↓ $2,914less	53.4%
Transportation	$1,842/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $558less	30.3%
Groceries	$1,067/mo	$959/mo	↓ $107less	10.1%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$574/mo	↑ $71.46more	14.2%
Other	$1,783/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $24.92less	1.4%
Healthcare	$625/mo	$632/mo	↑ $7.32more	1.2%

Housing

↓ 53.4%

Arlington, VA

$5,461

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Difference

$2,914

less

Transportation

↓ 30.3%

Arlington, VA

$1,842

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Difference

$558

less

Groceries

↓ 10.1%

Arlington, VA

$1,067

Richmond, VA

$959

Difference

$107

less

All Utilities

↑ 14.2%

Arlington, VA

$502

Richmond, VA

$574

Difference

$71.46

Other

↓ 1.4%

Arlington, VA

$1,783

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Difference

$24.92

less

Healthcare

↑ 1.2%

Arlington, VA

$625

Richmond, VA

$632

Difference

$7.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,578

To$1,490

↓ $88.00

1 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,560

↓ $267

2 Bed

From$2,325

To$1,710

↓ $615

3 Bed

From$3,239

To$2,140

↓ $1,099

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,279

Monthly in Arlington, VA

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$3,525

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Richmond

Median Value

$350K

YoY Change

↑ +1.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +39.2%

Price Range

$234K - $619K

Calculate payment - Richmond

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Arlington, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Richmond, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.