Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 97.9 in Richmond, VA in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 18.1% more expensive than Richmond; housing rents differ by 96% (194.7 vs 99.1). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $63,482 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 Francisco | Richmond | San Francisco vs Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 97.9 | +18.1% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 96.8 | +12.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 99.1 | +96.4% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 89.2 | +93.4% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 98.6 | +7.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 98.1 | +21.4% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Richmond | $42,321 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Richmond | $84,643 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Richmond | $126,964 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.