Kept

City vs city

Washington, DC vs Richmond

$100,000 in Washington, DC buys a lifestyle closer to $68,000 in Richmond, because Richmond's cost-of-living index is 104 versus 152.

Washington, DC

Federal and contractor pay is high. DC’s own income tax is steep at the top.

COL index
152
Typical 1-bed
$2,500/mo
Comfortable salary
$129,000
$100k take-home
$73,649
Full Washington, DC guide

Richmond

Cheaper than Northern Virginia with the same 5.75% top state rate.

COL index
104
Typical 1-bed
$1,450/mo
Comfortable salary
$88,000
$100k take-home
$74,244
Full Richmond guide

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