Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

Richmond

California
161

Orange is 28% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,252/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 16%
$116,945/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 23%
$900,700 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 28%
$2,394/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 16%
138,723
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $26,907/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Richmond — common questions

Is Orange or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Richmond?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Richmond?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $26,907/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Orange or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Richmond

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell