Is Washington, DC cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 52.0% more expensive than Richmond, VA. This translates to spending an extra $3900 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $196,800 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 143.9% more expensive than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

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

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $3900 more per month than Richmond, VA, or $46800 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA vs Washington, DC: 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 Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.9K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $196.8K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 52.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,900

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$46.8K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

152

(52% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Richmond, VA vs Washington, DC

Category	Richmond, VA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $3,664more	143.9%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $601more	46.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.8%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$508/mo	↓ $65.57less	11.4%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 143.9%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,664

Transportation

↑ 46.8%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$601

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Richmond, VA

$959

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$120

Other

↑ 3.8%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$66.96

All Utilities

↓ 11.4%

Richmond, VA

$574

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$65.57

less

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$632

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$2,150

↑ $660

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$2,215

↑ $655

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$2,470

↑ $760

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$3,115

↑ $975

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,387

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Washington

$350K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 59% more expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$232

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.