Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A warehouse worker in Richmond earns roughly $35,181/yr (~$2,187/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,320/mo — that's 60% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
VA · 2026
Can a Warehouse Worker 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 warehouse worker in Richmond, VA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$35,181/yr local estimate
$2,932
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
5.75% state income tax
-$745
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,187
1BR rent
60% 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
$27
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a warehouse worker in Richmond could save roughly $132/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 60% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 60% of take-home pay, a warehouse worker in Richmond is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $35,181/yr — adjusted from the national Warehouse Worker median of $36,430/yr based on Richmond's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Richmond for a Warehouse Worker
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 Warehouse Worker in Richmond?
A Warehouse Worker in Richmond earns approximately $35,181 per year, based on the national BLS median of $36,430/yr adjusted for Richmond's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Richmond affordable for a warehouse worker in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 60% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Richmond more feasible on a warehouse worker salary.
How much take-home pay does a Warehouse Worker get in Richmond?
After federal taxes, 5.75% state income tax, and FICA, a Warehouse Worker earning $35,181/yr takes home roughly $2,187/month in Richmond.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Warehouse Worker in Richmond?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Richmond costs a median of $1,320/month. On a Warehouse Worker salary, that's 60% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.