Median rent is 13% lower in Virginia Beach ($1,649/mo vs $1,895/mo). Buying is cheaper in Virginia Beach, where the median home runs $366,300 versus $650,100. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($90,685 vs $90,038 a year). Taken together, Richmond is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.6 against 97.9 — about 0% lower overall prices.
City A
Richmond, CA
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Richmond, CA?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$75,214
You'd need $214 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Richmond
California
Virginia Beach
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Virginia Beach at $1,649/mo compared to $1,895/mo in Richmond (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Richmond: the median home is $650,100 versus $366,300 in Virginia Beach — 44% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Virginia Beach is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 5.30% in Virginia; Virginia Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Richmond
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Virginia Beach
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Virginia Beach (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Richmond.
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,649/mo median).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Richmond cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Richmond is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.6 versus 97.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Richmond.
How much is rent in Richmond vs Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,895/mo in Richmond, CA and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Richmond or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $90,038 in Richmond, CA and $90,685 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Richmond or Virginia Beach?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Virginia Beach, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Richmond income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Richmond, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,286 in Virginia Beach, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology