Moving from Cambridge, MA to Richmond, VA
Relocating 540 mi from Cambridge to Richmond is a 11h 14m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
540 mi Β· 11h 14m by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Elizabeth, Newark |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Richmond at 97.858 vs Cambridge at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,041,569 to $369,646 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 45.5" |
Expect 7.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.23 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.6% β $126,469 β $62,671 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Richmond, VA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 540 mi and the route typically takes 11h 14m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 64.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 9.6% lower than Cambridge (97.858 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 50.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 540 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Richmond, VA.