Richmond vs Houston
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Houston is 3% cheaper than Richmond overall.Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 vs Houston at 95 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities — Houston costs 12% less.

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Richmond
VA
98
COLI index
VS
Houston
TX
95
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Richmond | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 98 | 95 | -3% |
| Housing | 112 | 105 | -6% |
| Groceries | 102 | 103 | +1% |
| Transport | 103 | 104 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 102 | 101 | -1% |
| Utilities | 100 | 112 | +12% |
Median 1BR Rent
Richmond
$1,400/mo
Houston
$1,350/mo
Median Home Price
Richmond
$310,000
Houston
$265,000
Median Household Income
Richmond
$55,766
Houston
$56,019
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Last updated: June 2026
Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.