Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Manchester to Richmond move
What to know before moving from Manchester to Richmond
Moving from Manchester to Richmond means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Manchester than in Richmond, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Manchester compares to Richmond so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Manchester | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,004 | $1,595 |
| Average home value | $410,329 | $350,897 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,132 | $59,606 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,449 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,256 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Richmond are 20% lower than in Manchester, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
Home prices in Richmond are 14.5% lower than in Manchester. - Income in Richmond is 11.2% lower than in Manchester, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Richmond include Brink's, CarMax, and MeadWestvaco.
- The cost of living for a single person in Richmond is 7.3% lower than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Richmond, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Richmond is 1.5% higher than in Manchester.
- The unemployment rate in Richmond is 86.84% higher than in Manchester.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Richmond, since the cityโs sales taxes in Richmond are 6.00% higher than in Manchester.
- State income taxes in Richmond are 43.75% higher than in Manchester.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,780.73 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.
How life is different in Manchester vs. Richmond
| Richmond | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 115,644 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 48.45 | 56.09 |
| Safety Index | 51.55 | 43.91 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Richmond is about 96% greater than Manchester, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Richmond offers better access to buses and trains than Manchester, based on public transportation ratings. Richmond has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Manchester. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find Richmond to be about as walkable as Manchester. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 51 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Richmond is considered more bike-friendly than Manchester in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Richmond has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Manchester is rated as 42 out of 100.
- Richmond has a lower crime rate than Manchester based on scores of 48.45 and Manchester's 56.09, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Richmond than in Manchester, based on Richmondโs safety index of 51.55 versus 43.91 for Manchester. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Richmond and Manchester is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Manchester vs. Richmond move
- Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Virginia, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toRichmond Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Richmond
Now that youโve chosen "Capital of the South" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Richmond to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Monroe Ward
- The Fan District
- The Museum District
- Woodland Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue
- Byrd Park
- Museum District
- Three Chopt
- Westover Hills
Things to do in Richmond
Once youโre settled into your new home in Virginia, itโs time to get out and discover what Richmond has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Richmond features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Richmond Kickers (USL League One) and Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Richmond?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Manchester to Richmond are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Manchester are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Richmond?
With many people choosing to move from Manchester to Richmond in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Manchester to Richmond take?
Moving from Manchester, NH to Richmond, VA covers 588 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Manchester movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Richmond.
