08.19.2024

Today’s Forecast

85º | 68% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:29 a.m. | Sunset 7:56 p.m.

Richmond living, by the numbers

What it costs to live in Richmond

The Richmond skyline as seen from the James River

The overall cost of living in Richmond is lower than the national average. | Photo by @staboaviation

With Richmond constantly growing and undertaking multiple high-profile developments this year, we figured it was time to talk about the cost of planting roots in the River City.

The median household income in the City of Richmond is $59,606 according to the US Census Bureau. On the state level, Virginia is No. 11 in the country (counting DC) for median income at ~$80,963 per household.

RICtoday_CostofLiving_OverallScreenshot — The overall cost of living in Richmond is lower than the national average.
|
Screenshot via bestplaces.net

The overall cost of living in Richmond is lower than the national average and lower than the rest of the state.

In Richmond, the cost of healthcare is lower compared to other parts of the state, but just under the national average. The cost of groceries, housing, and transportation expenses in the city have lower average costs than other cities in Virginia and the country overall.

Breaking down the numbers

Hypothetically speaking, if you live in a household that brings in $50,000 annually — according to experts — you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your monthly gross income on rent and utilities.

Don’t worry, we did the math for you — your max monthly budget would be $1,250. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Richmond is $1,483 — putting you over budget.

According to a 2022 study by Attom Data Solutions, it’s actually more affordable to buy a home in the City of Richmond than to rent.

Take a look at the chart below to see how Richmond’s cost of living compares to that of Arlington.

RICtoday_CostofLiving_ArlingtonRichmondCompare — Richmond has a much lower cost of living compared to Arlington.
|
Screenshot from bestplaces.net

Interested in seeing Richmond’s cost of living compared to cities in other states? We played around on nerdwallet’s cost of living calculator, where you can put in any city along with your current pre-tax household income to find out what other cities you could actually afford to live in.

See how we compare

Asked

What would you tell someone who is considering moving here about the cost of living?

A. This is a really affordable city to live
B. Prices are reasonable — not exorbitant, not cheap
C. Prepare yourself for sticker shock — it’s expensive

Let us know

Events

Monday, Aug. 19

Shaper Origin Custom Desktop Clock | Monday, Aug. 19 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware | $150 | Emerge from this day-long class with a custom clock and mitered box.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

Birthday Dinner Bike Ride | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Pedal Power RVA | Join a casual bike ride, then celebrate with food and live music.
Charley Crockett | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | The National | $70 | The country crooner is on his "$10 Cowboy” tour with Kashus Culpepper.

Wednesday, Aug. 21

Movie Matinees: “Crazy Rich Asians” | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 2-5 p.m. | RPL West End Branch | Free | Snacks will be provided at the library screening of this rom com.
Holy River Mini Concert | Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design | $35-$160 | Multi-instrumentalists Laney Sullivan and Jameson Price will put on an experimental show at the museum.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve | Thursday, Aug. 22 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond | $10-$25 | Wear your orange and maroon for Virginia Tech Night.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Health

A study has found significant disparities between various Richmond neighborhoods’ access to cooling stations during the summer months. This can be mapped onto higher instances of heat-related health emergencies in areas with poorer access. Read more about the study. (VPM)

Development

A local couple is planning to build a “mini dorm” on the edge of VUU’s campus. Claudia del Valle and Ronald Semel plan to construct a 20-bed facility for students on the .1-acre Bath Street plot. They hope to break ground next year. (Richmond BizSense)

State

Following nearly a month gathering public input, the Governor’s office has published a draft of its new Cell Phone-Free Education policy. Virginians can read the plan for themselves and submit their feedback before the policy is finalized on Monday, Sept. 16.

Richmonder

A Hanover Girl Scout’s Gold Award project has received an official commendation from the American Association of School Librarians. Kate Lindley’s project, “Free to Read,” set up banned book nooks at several local businesses. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Edu

Help name Chesterfield’s newest school

Chesterfield seeking public input on new middle school’s name

Shovels stuck in the dirt at a groundbreaking.

The yet-unnamed west area middle school is still under construction. | Photo via Chesterfield County

The Chesterfield County School Board is picking a name for the new west area middle school — and it wants your help.

The school, which is still under construction on Westerleigh Parkway, will likely be ready for students in fall 2025. The board has provided three names to choose from: Freedom Middle School, Liberty Middle School, and Lincoln Middle School.

The west area middle school is one of two brand-new middle schools in Chesterfield. The other, Falling Creek Middle, welcomed students for the first time this morning. Both feature the same three-story design aimed to accommodate up to 1,800 students.

Submit your pick for the new school’s future name by Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The Buy

The Buy 8.19.24 (Affiliate)

These reusable food storage bags. They’re made from food-grade silicone, making them dishwasher and microwave-safe, leak-free, and an eco-friendly solution to disposable plastic bags.

More worth The Buy

Answered

Last week, we quizzed our readers on the history of Riverside Drive.

Over 55% of respondents were correct that, before it was one of Richmond’s most scenic roads, Riverside Drive was a railroad bed transporting rocks from the quarries just to its west.

See the results yourself

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I’ve been a Charley Crockett fan for years. While the abundance of super-cheap local concerts has spoiled me enough to make a $70 feel extravagant, I have no doubt it’ll be more than worth it.

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