Question 1

Is Arlington or Richmond cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Richmond, VA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $479/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,246/mo in Arlington versus $1,655/mo in Richmond.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Richmond?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $90,000/year before tax in Arlington, VA and $79,000/year in Richmond, VA — a difference of about $11,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Richmond cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Richmond, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $13,377/month in Arlington and $9,805/month in Richmond, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Richmond?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Richmond costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington68	Richmond55
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,676	$4,197
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$13,377	$9,805
Salary for comfort	$90,000/yr	$79,000/yr
Typical rent	$2,246	$1,655
Median home value	$864,800	$328,100
Median household income	$140,160	$62,671
Unemployment	0.0%	4.2%
Housing score	52	33
Jobs score	89	42
Safety score	65	36
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	26	27
Population	235.5K	227.6K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 29°	90° / 28°

Arlington, VA vs Richmond, VA