Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Austin is 5% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,655/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 10%
$91,461/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 5%
$512,700 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 21%
$1,747/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 3%
967,862
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $4,796/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Richardson — common questions

Is Austin or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Richardson?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Richardson?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $4,796/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Richardson details →

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