Richmond is 10% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Richmond to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,644
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,520
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$69,657
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$353,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
97.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$3,150
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$141
👥 People living there
666,442
229,359
Commute to work
30.3 min
21.7 min
College degree
54.9%
45.6%
Own their home
35.7%
43.5%
Below poverty line
16.6%
18.2%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Richmond for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $61,290 | -37% in Richmond |
| Plumber | $96,760 | $61,480 | -36% in Richmond |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | $51,870 | -31% in Richmond |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $59,130 | -25% in Richmond |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $61,350 | -23% in Richmond |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,190 | $64,030 | -22% in Richmond |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $144,910 | -21% in Richmond |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $132,120 | -20% in Richmond |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Richmond is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,644 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Richmond to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $54,232 a year gives the same standard of living in Richmond.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Richmond?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $69,657 in Richmond, 51% more in Boston.