Cost of Living in Richmond, VA, United States

RESTAURANTS

There are lots of nice restaurants if you have a reasonable salary.

In fact, Richmond is the home to incredible restaurants, and you can’t walk down the street without running into a local brewery.

The locals say that it seems like there is a new restaurant opening almost every week.

Richmond is full of craft breweries, cideries, and eateries while remaining completely reasonable in price.

MARKETS

Richmond offers lots of farmers’ markets that are great for produce shopping, people-watching, and even specialty groceries.

You will find many places where you can stock up with whatever you need – at reasonable and high prices: from Whole Foods to many ethnic grocers including Russian, Asian, Spanish, Mexican, Greek, Italian etc.

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation is not the best, but it’s generally okay, especially now that the bus company just made a major upgrade.

The easiest way to get around Richmond is by car.

The Greater Richmond Transit Company operates a bus service across the city with the average fare being around 1.75$ for local routes and 2$ for the express routes.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Utilities are a bit pricier in Richmond than the norm, though it depends on the size of your apartment.

For an apartment of about 85m2, basic utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, gas, and garbage services will amount to 136$.

Internet is a bit pricier – only about 75$ per month.

SPORTS & LEISURE

If you don’t explore the nature surrounding Richmond then you’ll be missing out.

If you’re a fan of nature you’ll love going on a hike through Virginia’s State Park or whitewater rafting down the James River.

There are a ton of outdoorsy things to do, especially down by the James River, with people hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking or trail running.

A fitness club or a gym cost only 50$ a month.

CLOTHING & SHOES

If you like to shop, Carytown’s a place you must visit.

Good shopping is guaranteed with Carytown featuring tons of unique boutiques and vintage finds.

The prices are high, but the high-end clothing, art, and antiques are worth it and you’ll have a blast.

For malls, head into the suburbs: Broad Street is home to many large chains and outdoor malls with reasonable prices.

RENT PER MONTH

Rent is going up, from Shockoe Bottom to the Fan/Museum District area, where you can expect to rent from 1350$ to 1500$ or more a month for a one-bedroom apartment, and many times this doesn’t include utilities.

If you want a larger apartment in the center, the price will climb to 2300$, and if you move further from the city, the price will drop to around 900$.