Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Dallas and Richmond have a similar cost of living.

$1,403/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 6%
$67,760/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 8%
$295,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$328,100 ↑ 11%
$1,409/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 2%
1,299,553
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $5,089/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Richmond — common questions

Is Dallas or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Richmond?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Richmond?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $5,089/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Dallas details → View Richmond details →

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