Richmond vs Virginia Beach: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Richmond, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,919▲ | $67,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.39▲ | $32.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,810▲ | $40,616 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,869▲ | $51,594 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,668▲ | $85,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,198▲ | $105,790 |
| Total Employed | 1,050▲ | 770 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Richmond and Virginia Beach is $14,851 (22.14%). Richmond's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $93,388,Virginia Beach spans $65,174. Richmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($83,712 effective) pays 22.25% more than Virginia Beach ($68,478 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,919/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,198)
- ✓Larger job market (1,050 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,712)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Richmond grew -23.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$102,090 (2021) → $78,406 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$97,770 (2021) → $64,192 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Richmond or Virginia Beach?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov