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

Orange

California
206
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Orange is 61% more expensive than Richardson.

$2,252/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 19%
$116,945/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 18%
$900,700 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 55%
$2,394/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 25%
138,723
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $20,688/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs Richardson — common questions

Is Orange or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Richardson?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Richardson?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $20,688/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Richardson

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater