Quick answer
Richmond costs $540/month less overall ($1,810 vs $2,350/mo). But Philadelphia's 3.07% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $2,144/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Philadelphia vs Richmond
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Philadelphia vs Richmond at a Glance
| Metric | Philadelphia | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,680 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,680 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $280K ✓ | $330K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $345 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,350 | $1,810 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 79/100 ✓ | 51/100 |
| Transit Score | 67/100 ✓ | 37/100 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% ✓ | 5.75% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Richmond's 1BR averages $1,320/month vs $1,800 in Philadelphia — a $480/month difference, or $5,760/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Philadelphia charges 3.07% state income tax vs 5.75% in Richmond. On an $80K salary that's a $2,144/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,900 vs $3,684 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Philadelphia are $280K vs $330K in Richmond. At a 20% down payment, that's a $10,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Philadelphia utilities run $10 more per month than Richmond. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Richmond, VA
Richmond is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Philadelphia
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with snow, beautiful fall foliage
Richmond
Four seasons; hot humid summers, mild winters with occasional snow, pleasant spring and fall
Job Market
Philadelphia top industries
Richmond top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Philadelphia if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a urban lifestyle seekers
- →You're a NYC workers seeking lower costs
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Richmond if…
- →You're a finance workers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a craft beer lovers
- →You're a DC-adjacent remote workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Richmond is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,810 in Richmond vs $2,350 in Philadelphia — a $540/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Philadelphia or Richmond?
Philadelphia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 79/100 vs 51/100. Richmond is more car-dependent.
Philadelphia vs Richmond: which has lower state income tax?
Philadelphia has lower state income tax (3.07%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,144/year vs Richmond (5.75%).
Is Philadelphia or Richmond better for buying a home?
Philadelphia has lower median home prices at $280K vs $330K in Richmond — a $50,000 difference on the median home.