City Comparison

Richmond vs Washington DC: How they compare

Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Washington, D. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Richmond's median sold price is $389K with homes averaging 30 days on market; Washington DC is at $670K and 54 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Washington DC is pricier ($670K median vs $389K), a difference of about $281K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 30 days on market compared to 54 in Washington DC. Richmond offers a lower entry point at $125K–$1.5M.

Richmond

VA

Washington DC

DC

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$389K

$670K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

30 days

54 days

Price Range

$125K–$1.5M

$200K–$5M+

Notable Neighborhoods

The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition

Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Navy Yard

VA

Find agents in Richmond

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Richmond.

View agents

DC

Find agents in Washington DC

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Washington DC.

View agents

Decided between Richmond and Washington DC? See how buying a home works on smover.

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Richmond or Washington DC more affordable?

Richmond is more affordable with a median sold price of $389K, compared to $670K in Washington DC (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M. Washington DC prices range from $200K–$5M+.

How do Richmond and Washington DC compare?

Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. Washington, D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated July 2026.

Stay ahead of the market

Join buyers, sellers, and agents across Northern Virginia getting weekly market updates, new listings, and tips. Free, every Monday.

Trusted in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and 19 more cities

Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.

Take ownership of your move.

You choose the home, the agent, the lender. We take care of everything in between.

Richmond vs Washington DC: $389K vs $670K (2026) | smover