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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Richmond is 24% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,314/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 9%
$62,671/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 5%
$328,100 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 34%
$1,374/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 15%
227,595
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $2,856/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Tyler — common questions

Is Richmond or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Tyler?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Tyler?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $2,856/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Richmond details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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