Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Richmond, Virginia

In Richmond, Virginia, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.84 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.39 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,427.67, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.9% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Richmond's cost-of-living index of 102 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.84

National: $3.45

150.1%vs. 2022

Avg Rent (All)

$1,427.67

National: $1,900

86.5%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.9%

Year-over-year

Fast Food Avg

$12.60

Combo meal

4.2%YoY

Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.85$2.16$2.79$4.13$2.25+21.6%
Milk (gallon)$3.42$3.62$3.55$3.58$3.62+5.8%
Ground Beef (lb)$4.02$5.03$5.23$5.49$5.54+37.8%
Bread (loaf)$2.11$2.88$3.05$3.27$3.37+59.7%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.72$3.98$4.18$4.22$4.35+16.9%
Butter (lb)$4.11$4.60$4.83$4.97$5.17+25.8%
Bacon (lb)$6.68$7.14$7.64$7.79$7.86+17.7%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$5.79$6.37$6.62$6.68$6.81+17.6%
Pasta (lb)$1.56$1.90$1.96$2.02$2.00+28.2%
Rice (5 lb)$4.23$4.91$5.16$5.26$5.37+27.0%
Coffee (12 oz)$8.65$10.48$11.32$12.12$12.61+45.8%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$3.83$4.56$5.07$5.27$5.59+46.0%
Potatoes (5 lb)$4.07$4.40$4.62$4.81$4.91+20.6%
Apples (3 lb)$4.45$4.67$4.95$5.15$5.31+19.3%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.15$2.43$2.55$2.68$2.79+29.8%
Lettuce (head)$1.87$2.06$2.18$2.29$2.31+23.5%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.71$6.99$7.47$7.77$7.85+37.5%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.15$4.53$4.71$4.90$5.05+21.7%
Cereal (family size)$4.94$5.68$6.02$6.39$6.58+33.2%
Frozen Pizza$6.06$7.34$7.85$8.24$8.32+37.3%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$12.60

Casual Dining

$26.01

Monthly Spend

$443.18

+4.22% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $7.81

$12.60

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $8.82

$13.61

+54.3%

Chipotle

2022: $9.45

$14.11

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $4.64

$6.45

+39.0%

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Average 1BR: $1,321.92/mo · 2BR: $1,635.48/mo

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