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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Arlington is 59% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,275/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 20%
$140,160/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 31%
$864,800 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 53%
$2,414/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 26%
235,463
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $43,903/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

Arlington vs Richardson — common questions

Is Arlington or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Richardson?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Richardson?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $43,903/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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