Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 97.9 in Richmond, VA in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 14.3% more expensive than Richmond; housing rents differ by 81% (179.3 vs 99.1). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $65,596 buys in Richmond, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Diego | Richmond | San Diego vs Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 97.9 | +14.3% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 96.8 | +11.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 99.1 | +80.8% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 89.2 | +95.3% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 98.6 | +1.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 98.1 | +15.9% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in Richmond | $43,731 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in Richmond | $87,461 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in Richmond | $131,192 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.