Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Richmond is 36% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $47,685 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Richmond sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $300,000 in Richmond, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,400 in Richmond.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Richmond scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Richmond (100).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $50,120 in Richmond. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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