Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Richmond is 20% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $60,352 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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