71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Virginia Beach wins 1–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Virginia Beach wins 0–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Richmond is more affordable
💼 Virginia Beach has lower unemployment
📋 Richmond vs Virginia Beach — The Verdict
Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 compared to Richmond's 71.2/100, winning 1 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Richmond edges out with slightly lower home prices.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Richmond are 10% lower — a difference of $35,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Richmond saves you $341/month — that's $4,092 per year.
💵
Households in Virginia Beach earn $27,938 more per year (47% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$308,300
$343,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,227
$1,568
Median Income
$59,606
$87,544
Richmond edges out Virginia Beach on housing costs by 10%, a difference of $35,400. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
3.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
18 Good
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach: Common Questions
Is Richmond or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Richmond is more affordable overall. Home prices are $35,400 lower in Richmond. Monthly rent is $1,227 in Richmond vs $1,568 in Virginia Beach.
Does Richmond or Virginia Beach have better weather?
Virginia Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Richmond or Virginia Beach better for finding a job?
Virginia Beach currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.6% in Richmond vs 3.6% in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $59,606 in Richmond and $87,544 in Virginia Beach.
Which city is safer — Richmond or Virginia Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Virginia Beach is safer. Richmond has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Virginia Beach. Richmond scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Virginia Beach.
Should I move from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
Based on our data, Virginia Beach scores 72.2/100 vs Richmond's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Virginia Beach is more affordable, while Virginia Beach has a better climate.
Planning to move from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.