Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Washington is 34% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,900/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 4%
$106,287/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 9%
$724,600 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 44%
$2,103/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 15%
672,079
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $10,030/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Richardson — common questions

Is Washington or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Richardson?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Richardson?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $10,030/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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