Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Boston is 38% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,093/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 13%
$94,755/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 2%
$710,400 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 43%
$2,176/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 17%
663,972
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $1,502/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Richardson — common questions

Is Boston or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Richardson?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Richardson?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $1,502/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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