Cost of Living in Richmond, VA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,132 (excluding rent), and $2,603 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,863 (excluding rent), and $5,064 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.7 $19.7

$14.78 $14.78

$24.63 $24.63

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$98 $98

$58.8 $58.8

$147 $147

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.19 $11.19

$9.16 $9.16

$14.25 $14.25

Cappuccino

$5.19 $5.19

$3.06 $3.06

$7.15 $7.15

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 $2.15

$1.95 $1.95

$2.45 $2.45

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.02 $2.02

$2.56 $2.56

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.13 $5.13

$4.1 $4.1

$7.18 $7.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.88 $7.88

$5.91 $5.91

$8.86 $8.86

Milk (1 liter)

$0.9 $0.9

$0.77 $0.77

$1.02 $1.02

White Bread (500g)

$3.78 $3.78

$2.64 $2.64

$6.29 $6.29

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.65 $3.65

$1.91 $1.91

$5.74 $5.74

Eggs

$5.33 $5.33

$2.94 $2.94

$9.3 $9.3

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.37 $9.37

$8.3 $8.3

$11.27 $11.27

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.69 $12.69

$6.05 $6.05

$17.99 $17.99

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.62 $15.62

$8.72 $8.72

$19.82 $19.82

Apples (1kg)

$5.68 $5.68

$2.23 $2.23

$6.71 $6.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.24 $1.24

$1.1 $1.1

$4.48 $4.48

Oranges (1kg)

$3.85 $3.85

$2.8 $2.8

$15.62 $15.62

Tomato (1kg)

$4.26 $4.26

$3.77 $3.77

$7.44 $7.44

Potato (1kg)

$2.57 $2.57

$1 $1

$3.5 $3.5

Onion (1kg)

$2.8 $2.8

$1.03 $1.03

$3.36 $3.36

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.53 $1.53

$2.96 $2.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.46 $1.46

$3.88 $3.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.43 $10.43

$7.35 $7.35

$20.86 $20.86

Wine (Bottle)

$12.84 $12.84

$8.89 $8.89

$14.81 $14.81

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.26 $2.26

$1.72 $1.72

$4.26 $4.26

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.1 $4.1

$1.18 $1.18

$5.36 $5.36

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.27 $1.27

$1.53 $1.53

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$61.1 $61.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.53 $2.53

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.58 $1.58

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$22.66 $22.66

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.73 $0.73

$0.91 $0.91

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.5K $28.5K

$31.2K $31.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.7K $25.7K

$24.5K $24.5K

$27.8K $27.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$159 $159

$99.9 $99.9

$274 $274

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.1 $54.1

$40.48 $40.48

$75.9 $75.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$75.8 $75.8

$49.44 $49.44

$119 $119

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$59.9 $59.9

$29.69 $29.69

$84.1 $84.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.17 $20.17

Cinema Ticket

$14.77 $14.77

$13.79 $13.79

$14.77 $14.77

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,288 $1,288

$1,000 $1,000

$1,667 $1,667

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$30.9K $30.9K

$27.1K $27.1K

$31.9K $31.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.6 $53.6

$37.16 $37.16

$76.1 $76.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.77 $34.77

$19.82 $19.82

$119 $119

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$79 $79

$65.8 $65.8

$91.1 $91.1

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$119 $119

$74.1 $74.1

$247 $247

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,468 $1,468

$1,302 $1,302

$1,802 $1,802

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,338 $1,338

$918 $918

$1,631 $1,631

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,412 $2,412

$1,861 $1,861

$2,651 $2,651

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,125 $2,125

$1,617 $1,617

$2,527 $2,527

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,800 $2,800

$2,410 $2,410

$3,817 $3,817

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,356 $2,356

$2,310 $2,310

$2,395 $2,395

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,127 $4,127

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.58

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Richmond, VA - Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond tends to offer a balanced mix of affordable housing options, reasonable food costs, and accessible transit, making it appealing to travelers, expats, and digital nomads. What you’ll notice is that the Cost of Living in Richmond, VA, United States often feels friendlier than bigger coastal capitals, while still offering city amenities like museums, parks, and diverse dining. Budgeting tips include choosing a central but walkable neighborhood, using bike lanes or buses, and cooking at home several nights a week to offset occasional splurges. Seasonal events can affect prices, especially in peak tourist months. Tip: Plan a two-week trial to gauge the rhythm before committing.

Housing search begins strongest in walkable core neighborhoods like The Fan or Carytown, with quieter options in Church Hill or Scott's Addition. Use a mix of online listings and in-person visits at different times of day to judge noise and safety. For food, explore farmers markets, neighborhood grocers, and diverse eateries; cooking at home often stretches a budget further than dining out. For transport, a bike-friendly layout helps, and GRTC buses cover many routes; consider a simple transit pass if you commute. Co-working spaces vary by vibe and price, so sample a few before committing. Richmond, VA, United States living cost varies by neighborhood, plan accordingly. Tip: Build a two-week test itinerary to sample daily routines.

Quality of life in Richmond shines when you balance work and play: river trails, a thriving arts scene, and a calendar of festivals. Use a simple budgeting framework like 50/30/20 to allocate housing, needs, and wants, then tailor it to your seasonality – summer energy costs may rise with fans and cooling, while fall can be friendlier to dining and outdoors. Neighborhood fit matters more than pure price: The Fan offers walkability; Scotts Addition leans creative; Carytown combines nightlife and groceries. Practical tips: join a co-working space for community, use public libraries and makerspaces, and opt for shorter grocery trips at local markets to avoid impulse buys. Tip: Track mobile data and transit costs to optimize weekly routines.