Moving from Richmond to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 98 for Richmond (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$156/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9892
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,400
per month
State tax
5.8%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,378$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your Richmond lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Richmond | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,551 |
| $50K | $46,939 |
| $60K | $56,327 |
| $75K | $70,408 |
| $80K | $75,102 |
| $100K | $93,878 |
| $120K | $112,653 |
| $150K | $140,816 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Richmond vs Albany
| Expense | Richmond | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $369 | $380 |
| Transport | $70 | $68 |
| Utilities | $155 | $185 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,124 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than Richmond?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 98 for Richmond (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Richmond to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from Richmond to Albany could save roughly $156/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,872/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my Richmond lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Richmond, you'd need roughly $70,408/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to RichmondRichmond vs Albany — full comparisonRichmond cost of livingAlbany cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only