Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Alexandria is 35% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,031/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 10%
$113,638/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 15%
$696,800 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 42%
$2,173/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 17%
156,788
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $17,381/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Richardson — common questions

Is Alexandria or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Richardson?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Richardson?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $17,381/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Richardson

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater