Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Houston is 31% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,313/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 39%
$62,894/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 53%
$253,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 60%
$1,316/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 36%
2,300,419
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $33,363/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Richardson — common questions

Is Houston or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Richardson?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Richardson?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $33,363/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 Houston or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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