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

Richardson

Texas
128
VS

Richmond

California
161

Richardson is 20% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,825/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 4%
$96,257/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 6%
$405,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 60%
$1,796/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 12%
118,269
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richardson, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $6,219/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richardson is $405,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson vs Richmond — common questions

Is Richardson or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richardson and Richmond?
Median rent in Richardson is $1,825/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Richardson or Richmond?
Median household income is $96,257 in Richardson and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $6,219/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Richardson or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Richardson has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,825/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.
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