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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Riverside is 12% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,812/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ≈ Same
$88,575/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 9%
$542,100 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 25%
$1,880/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 4%
316,241
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,682/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Richardson — common questions

Is Riverside or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Richardson?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Richardson?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $7,682/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Richardson

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater