Virginia Beach vs Richmond Air Quality Comparison

Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI

As of September 23, 2026, Richmond, VA has cleaner air than Virginia Beach, VA — AQI 16 (Good) vs 56 (Moderate), a gap of 40 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. Virginia Beach's reading is driven by PM2.5 and Richmond's by O3.

Virginia Beach, VA

Moderate

StateVirginia
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryModerate
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Richmond, VA

Good

StateVirginia
Dominant PollutantO3
CategoryGood
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Summary

Richmond has 40 points better air quality

Richmond has an AQI of 16 compared to 56

Our Pick

Extra Protection for Virginia Beach Homes

Air quality in Virginia Beach is moderate (AQI 56), with fine particles (PM2.5) the main concern. A True-HEPA purifier gives sensitive groups — kids, seniors and anyone with asthma or allergies — cleaner air indoors on days like today.

Large Room4.6(8,000+ ratings)
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
True HEPA + carbon, high CADR — clears PM2.5 from most rooms fast, our all-round pick
~$230
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Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:

Large Room
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
HEPA + Carbon
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
~$2304.6
Check Price on Amazon →
Editor's Pick
Levoit Vital 200S
True HEPA
True HEPA · washable pre-filter · rooms up to 1,875 sq ft
~$2004.6
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Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
Check Price on Amazon →

Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

5-Day Forecast Comparison

DayVirginia BeachRichmondBetter
TodayAQI 17AQI 17Tie
Wed, Sep 23AQI 28AQI 17Richmond

Compare Other Cities

Virginia Beach vs Norfolk