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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Sacramento is 3% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,694/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 8%
$83,753/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 15%
$484,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 16%
$1,752/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 3%
524,802
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $12,504/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Richardson — common questions

Is Sacramento or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Richardson?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Richardson?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $12,504/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 Sacramento or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Richardson

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater