Cost of Living in Richmond, CA
Population 115,396 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Richmond's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $650,000 for a typical home, 113% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $90,038 that put it in the upper third of the state. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Richmond
The median home value in Richmond is $650,100 — 113% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,895/month, 44% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,038/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Richmond has a cost of living index of 186 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 86% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Richmond, CA?
Richmond has a cost index of 186 (100 = national average). It is 86% above the national average.
What is average rent in Richmond, CA?
The median gross rent in Richmond is $1,895 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Richmond?
The median home value in Richmond is $650,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Richmond?
The median household income in Richmond is $90,038 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Richmond, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Richmond is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Richmond, CA affordable?
Richmond is above average in cost of living, with an index of 186 — about 86% higher than the national average.
Richmond at a Glance
- Population
- 115,396
- Median Income
- $90,038
- Home Value
- $650,100
- Median Rent
- $1,895/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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