Cost of Living: College Station, TX vs Richardson, TX (2026)

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

College Station is 29% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,168/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 56%
$51,776/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 86%
$326,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 24%
$1,251/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 44%
122,280
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $44,481/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Richardson — common questions

Is College Station or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Richardson?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Richardson?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $44,481/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 College Station or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for College Station and Richardson

College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater