Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Bellevue is 95% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,505/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 27%
$161,300/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 40%
$1,203,100 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 66%
$2,586/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 31%
151,199
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $65,043/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Richardson — common questions

Is Bellevue or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Richardson?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Richardson?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $65,043/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Richardson

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater