Is Austin, TX cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 3.0% more expensive than Richmond, VA. This translates to spending an extra $225 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Richmond, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $152,700 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 13.3% more expensive than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Richmond, VA to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $225 more per month than Richmond, VA, or $2700 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $225/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Richmond, VA area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$225

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$350K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$558K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Richmond, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,547/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $338more	13.3%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$541/mo	↓ $32.79less	5.7%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 13.3%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$338

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Richmond, VA

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.7%

Richmond, VA

$574

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$32.79

less

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$16.74

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$1,585

↑ $95.00

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,685

↑ $125

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,995

↑ $285

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,525

↑ $385

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$245

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Austin

$350K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 59% more expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Richmond, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.