Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Raleigh and Richmond have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Richmond sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $300,000 in Richmond, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,400 in Richmond.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Richmond scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Richmond (100).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $50,120 in Richmond. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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