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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Richmond

California
161

College Station is 43% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,168/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 62%
$51,776/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
$326,500 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 99%
$1,251/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 61%
122,280
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $38,262/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Richmond — common questions

Is College Station or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Richmond?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Richmond?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $38,262/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View College Station details → View Richmond details →

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