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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Richmond is 19% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,314/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 34%
$62,671/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 79%
$328,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$330,900 ≈ Same
$1,374/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 43%
227,595
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $49,799/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Pearland — common questions

Is Richmond or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Pearland?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Pearland?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $49,799/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Pearland details →

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