Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Richardson, TX (2026)
West Palm Beach
Florida
119
VS
Richardson
Texas
128
West Palm Beach is 9% cheaper than Richardson.
$1,709/mo
↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo
↑ 7%
$69,261/yr
↓ 28%
Median Income
$96,257/yr
↑ 39%
$369,800
↓ 9%
Home Value
$405,600
↑ 10%
$1,667/mo
↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo
↑ 8%
119,508
Population
118,269
Tax Comparison
0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income
Detailed Comparison
When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are
119 and 128 respectively
(national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $1,392/year.
Median household income is $26,996/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800
compared to $405,600 in Richardson.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Palm Beach vs Richardson — common questions
Is West Palm Beach or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Richardson?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Richardson?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $26,996/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to West Palm Beach or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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.