Richmond, VA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Richmond, VA Utility & Living Guide

Richmond, VA is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$350/mo
1BR Rent$1300/mo
Sales Tax7.65%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$290,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Richmond
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Richmond
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Dominion Energy
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Richmond Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms$2300/mo
Median Home Price$290,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The Richmond housing market is competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new developments. The city is seeing growth in neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition and the Arts District. Renters can expect to pay a premium for amenities like parking and in-unit laundry.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.65%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 1.35% + City 2%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordability, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Richmond has a growing public transit system, including buses and a downtown circulator, but stroller-friendly options can be limited in some areas

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Science Museum of Virginia
  • 🎯
    Children's Museum of Richmond
  • 🎯
    Maymont

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Fan, Museum District, and West End are popular neighborhoods for families, with good schools and plenty of amenities. The city is also seeing growth in neighborhoods like Church Hill and Union Hill.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Richmond based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Richmond has regulations in place for short-term rentals, and residents are required to obtain permits for certain home improvements

Richmond is seeing growth in the tech industry, with companies like Capital One and IBM having a presence in the city. The city is also investing in initiatives to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Financial Tools

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📊 Richmond — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months can be hot and humid, leading to higher electricity bills for air conditioning, while winter months can be mild, resulting in lower heating costs. Residents can expect to pay around 10-15% more for utilities during the summer months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.05 to 1.35, with some areas having additional local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Richmond has some stroller-friendly areas, such as the Riverfront and downtown, but sidewalk quality and park access can be limited in some neighborhoods, and elevator access in transit is not always available

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