Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A professor in Richmond earns roughly $81,487/yr (~$4,658/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,320/mo — that's 28% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
VA · 2026
Can a College Professor Afford to Live in Richmond?
Using local salary estimates and Richmond's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a professor in Richmond, VA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$81,487/yr local estimate
$6,791
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
5.75% state income tax
-$2,133
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,658
1BR rent
28% of take-home
-$1,320
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$345
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,498
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a professor in Richmond could save roughly $11,988/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 28% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 28% of take-home pay, a professor in Richmond is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $81,487/yr — adjusted from the national College Professor median of $84,380/yr based on Richmond's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Richmond for a College Professor
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
The Fan / Carytown
Victorian row houses, VCU energy, independent retail, most desirable; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Scott's Addition
20+ breweries, converted warehouses, restaurants, young professionals; 1BR $1,300–1,800
Church Hill
Historic, panoramic downtown views, gentrifying, artists, oldest neighborhood; 1BR $1,100–1,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a College Professor in Richmond?
A College Professor in Richmond earns approximately $81,487 per year, based on the national BLS median of $84,380/yr adjusted for Richmond's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Richmond affordable for a professor in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 28% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A professor can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a College Professor get in Richmond?
After federal taxes, 5.75% state income tax, and FICA, a College Professor earning $81,487/yr takes home roughly $4,658/month in Richmond.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a College Professor in Richmond?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Richmond costs a median of $1,320/month. On a College Professor salary, that's 28% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.