salaryRichmond is 6% 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
$1,983
$1,644
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,520
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$69,657
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$353,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
97.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,150
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$141
👥 People living there
2,711,226
229,359
Commute to work
33.1 min
21.7 min
College degree
44.3%
45.6%
Own their home
46%
43.5%
Below poverty line
16.8%
18.2%
Unemployment
8%
5.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, cheaper homes, less poverty.
- Pick Richmond for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, shorter commutes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $62,720 | -42% in Richmond |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $61,480 | -41% in Richmond |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $61,350 | -40% in Richmond |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $51,870 | -36% in Richmond |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $60,790 | -27% in Richmond |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $59,130 | -24% in Richmond |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $38,470 | +23% in Richmond |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $61,290 | -22% in Richmond |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Richmond is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,644 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Richmond to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $56,677 a year gives the same standard of living in Richmond.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Richmond?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $69,657 in Richmond, 21% more in Chicago.