Quick answer
Overall prices in the Raleigh, NC metro were 98.2 vs 97.9 in Richmond, VA in 2024 (US = 100), so Raleigh is 0.3% more expensive than Richmond; housing rents differ by 4% (103.5 vs 99.1). A $75,000 income in Raleigh buys about what $74,772 buys in Richmond, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Raleigh | Richmond | Raleigh vs Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.2 | 97.9 | +0.3% |
| Goods | 96.6 | 96.8 | -0.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 103.5 | 99.1 | +4.4% |
| Utilities | 89.0 | 89.2 | -0.3% |
| Other services | 98.2 | 98.6 | -0.4% |
| All items, 2008 | 97.0 | 98.1 | -1.1% |
| $50,000 in Raleigh equals in Richmond | $49,848 | ||
| $100,000 in Raleigh equals in Richmond | $99,695 | ||
| $150,000 in Raleigh equals in Richmond | $149,543 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.