Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Richmond is 8% more expensive than College Station.

$1,314/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 11%
$62,671/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 17%
$328,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$326,500 ≈ Same
$1,374/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 9%
227,595
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $10,895/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs College Station — common questions

Is Richmond or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and College Station?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or College Station?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $10,895/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and College Station

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette