Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 97.9 in Richmond, VA in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 11.3% more expensive than Richmond; housing rents differ by 52% (151.1 vs 99.1). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $67,405 buys in Richmond, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Washington | Richmond | Washington vs Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 97.9 | +11.3% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 96.8 | +8.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 99.1 | +52.5% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 89.2 | +19.6% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 98.6 | +3.8% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 98.1 | +17.0% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in Richmond | $44,937 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in Richmond | $89,874 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in Richmond | $134,810 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.