Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 97.9 in Richmond, VA in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 10.6% more expensive than Richmond; housing rents differ by 50% (148.4 vs 99.1). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $67,790 buys in Richmond, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Richmond | Boston vs Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 97.9 | +10.6% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 96.8 | +3.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 99.1 | +49.7% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 89.2 | +66.7% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 98.6 | +5.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 98.1 | +9.8% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Richmond | $45,193 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Richmond | $90,387 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Richmond | $135,580 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.