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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Richmond is 29% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,314/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 36%
$62,671/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 126%
$328,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 46%
$1,374/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 46%
227,595
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $78,682/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Richmond or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $78,682/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View The Woodlands details →

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