Is Richmond, VA cheaper or more expensive than Washington, DC?

Richmond, VA (RPP 97.7) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 12.2%.

What salary do I need in Richmond, VA if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?

You would need approximately $87,781 in Richmond, VA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (97.7 / 111.3).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Washington, DC or Richmond, VA?

For 2021-2022, Washington, DC had a net loss of 45,746 people, while Richmond, VA had a net gain of 6,605 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Washington, DC vs Richmond, VA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC and Richmond, VA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Washington, DC

Overall RPP (US=100): 111.3
Housing RPP: 156.3
Goods RPP: 107.2
2-BR median rent: $2,045/mo

DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.

Richmond, VA

Overall RPP (US=100): 97.7
Housing RPP: 98.2
Goods RPP: 95.7
2-BR median rent: $1,532/mo

Virginia income tax 2%-5.75%.

Equivalent salary

Richmond, VA is cheaper than Washington, DC by about 12.2% (RPP 111.3 to 97.7).

$60,000 in Washington, DC

-> $52,668

in Richmond, VA

$100,000 in Washington, DC

-> $87,781

in Richmond, VA

$150,000 in Washington, DC

-> $131,671

in Richmond, VA

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Washington, DC vs Richmond, VA

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Washington, DC

Net people: −45,746
Net rank: #61 of 65
Top origin share: 2%
Top destination share: 2%

Largest source: Anne Arundel County, MD. Largest destination: Anne Arundel County, MD.

Richmond, VA

Net people: +6,605
Net rank: #17 of 65
Top origin share: 2%
Top destination share: 1%

Largest source: Fairfax County, VA. Largest destination: Fairfax County, VA.

Rent delta: Richmond, VA is $513/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Washington, DC. Housing RPP moves from 156.3 to 98.2.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Richmond, VA cheaper or more expensive than Washington, DC?: Richmond, VA (RPP 97.7) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 12.2%.
What salary do I need in Richmond, VA if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?: You would need approximately $87,781 in Richmond, VA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (97.7 / 111.3).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Washington, DC or Richmond, VA?: For 2021-2022, Washington, DC had a net loss of 45,746 people, while Richmond, VA had a net gain of 6,605 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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