Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Irvine is 100% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,893/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 37%
$129,647/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 26%
$1,115,400 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 64%
$2,904/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 38%
308,160
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $33,390/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Richardson — common questions

Is Irvine or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Richardson?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Richardson?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $33,390/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Richardson

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater