Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Seattle is 53% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,998/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 9%
$121,984/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 21%
$912,100 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 56%
$2,220/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 19%
741,440
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $25,727/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Richardson — common questions

Is Seattle or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Richardson?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Richardson?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $25,727/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Richardson

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater