Texas doesn’t charge state income tax. You’ve heard that one. It’s real. But “affordable” means different things depending on which suburb you pick, and some of them aren’t nearly as cheap as people think.
Richardson’s different. It hits a sweet spot that most renters skip right over.
The cost of living in Richardson, Texas runs about 10% below the national average for housing. Rent comes in lower than Plano, lower than Frisco, way lower than Uptown. But cheap doesn’t tell you much on its own. What matters is what you actually get for that money. If you’re comparing Richardson apartments to other DFW suburbs, here’s what the numbers look like right now.
What Rent Actually Costs in Richardson
According to the City of Richardson and recent market data, average rent here sits around $1,676 a month. That’s actually down about 2% from last year. Good timing if you’re signing a lease soon.
Here’s how it breaks down by size:
Rent by Unit Size (2026 Averages)
- Studios: About $1,300 for roughly 500 square feet
- One-bedrooms: About $1,440 for roughly 750 square feet
- Two-bedrooms: About $1,840 for roughly 1,080 square feet
- Three-bedrooms: About $2,200 for roughly 1,370 square feet
How That Stacks Up Against Other Suburbs
Quick comparison for one-bedroom apartments:
- Richardson: $1,400 to $1,500
- Plano: $1,500 to $1,700
- Addison: $1,400 to $1,800 (newer builds push it higher)
- Uptown Dallas: $2,000 to $2,400
If you work along US-75 or the Bush Turnpike, Richardson gives you a shorter commute and lower rent than most of the alternatives. That combo’s hard to beat.
Utilities, Groceries, and the Rest of the Monthly Hit
Rent’s your biggest bill. But it’s not your only one. Here’s what the rest of a Richardson renter’s budget looks like:
Utilities
- Electricity: Roughly $150 to $180 a month for a one-bedroom. Texas electricity averages about 14.9 cents per kWh, and summer’s brutal on the AC bill. July and August will remind you.
- Water and sewer: Usually $30 to $50 a month. Some complexes roll water into your rent.
- Internet: Around $50 to $80 depending on your provider. AT&T Fiber and Spectrum both cover most of Richardson.
Groceries
Richardson grocery prices run about 9% below the national average. You’ve got Kroger, Tom Thumb, Aldi, plus a bunch of Asian and Indian grocery stores along the 75 corridor that carry specialty stuff at way better prices than chain stores. A single renter should budget about $250 to $350 a month depending on how much you cook versus eat out.
Eating Out
This is where Richardson punches way above its weight. The international food corridor along US-75 between Arapaho and Campbell is packed with Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Mediterranean spots. Most meals run $10 to $18 a person. Try doing that in Uptown, where a casual dinner starts at $20 to $30. You eat better for less here. It’s honestly one of Richardson’s best-kept advantages.
Transportation: What Getting Around Costs You
How you get around changes your monthly budget more than you’d think.
If You Drive
- Gas in DFW runs close to the national average. Nothing wild.
- Car insurance in Texas is higher than most states. Budget $180 to $220 a month for full coverage.
- Most Richardson complexes include parking or charge $25 to $75 a month
- Tollway and Bush Turnpike tolls add up fast if you commute daily. That’s $40 to $80 a month in toll tags alone.
If You Use DART
Richardson’s got two rail stations: Arapaho Center and Spring Valley, both on the Red and Orange lines. A monthly pass runs $96. If your office is near a DART stop downtown, that’s a lot cheaper than driving, parking, and paying tolls. Plenty of Richardson renters take the train during the week and keep a car for weekends and errands. Smart setup.
No State Income Tax (But Watch the Property Tax)
No income tax in Texas. That’s a real win, especially if you’re coming from California or New York or Illinois. Your paycheck stretches further here.
Now, the catch. Property tax doesn’t hit renters directly, but it hits your landlord. And your landlord passes it along. Richardson’s effective property tax rate sits above 2%, which is high even for Texas. That’s why rents here haven’t dropped as much as you’d expect even when vacancy rates climb. Your landlord’s tax bill doesn’t shrink just because the market softens.
Even so. No income tax plus below-average housing costs still works in your favor compared to most major metros. The math checks out.
Alt Tag: Row of restaurants along the US-75 food corridor in Richardson, TX with diners walking between storefronts.
What Makes Richardson Worth the Money
Low cost of living in Richardson, Texas only matters if you actually like living there. Here’s what you get beyond the price tag:
- Telecom Corridor jobs: AT&T, Cisco, Samsung, plus dozens of smaller tech firms. If you work in tech or engineering, your commute could be 10 minutes. Or less.
- UT Dallas: Staff, students, and researchers keep the east side young and active.
- Richardson ISD: One of the stronger districts in DFW. Berkner and Richardson High both have solid reputations.
- The food scene: The international dining corridor along US-75 draws people from across DFW. People drive from Plano and Frisco just to eat here.
- DART rail: Two stations. Red and Orange lines. Straight shot to downtown Dallas.
- Safety: Richardson PD consistently reports lower crime rates than Dallas citywide. CityLine and the UT Dallas area feel especially well-patrolled.
Is Richardson, TX Worth the Cost for Renters?
Look, Richardson isn’t the cheapest suburb in DFW. It isn’t trying to be. But it gives you more for the money than most places this close to Dallas. Good schools, insane food, tech jobs down the street, and a DART line that actually goes somewhere useful. Living in Richardson, TX just makes financial sense, and the numbers back that up. Dallas Apartment Locators is free and local. Contact us with your move date and budget, and we’ll match you with places that fit your life. Custom list, less than a day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living in Richardson, Texas
Is Richardson, TX Cheaper Than Dallas?
For renters, yeah. One-bedrooms in Richardson average around $1,440 compared to $1,800 or more in popular Dallas neighborhoods like Uptown and Knox-Henderson. Groceries and transportation are about the same. Housing is where you see the biggest gap.
How Much Should I Budget Per Month to Live in Richardson?
If you’re a single renter in a one-bedroom, plan for about $2,200 to $2,600 a month total. That covers rent (around $1,440), utilities ($200 to $250), groceries ($250 to $350), transportation ($100 to $250 depending on car versus DART), and the usual miscellaneous stuff.
Is Richardson, Texas a Good Place to Live?
If you care about affordability, great food, solid schools, and a short commute along the 75 corridor? Yeah, it’s a good fit. It doesn’t have the nightlife of Uptown and it won’t win any Instagram awards. But the cost of living in Richardson, Texas is lower and daily life just works.
How Does Richardson Stack Up Against Plano for Renters?
Rent’s slightly lower in Richardson for similar apartments. You also get better DART access and a way stronger international food scene. Plano tends to have newer construction and more big-box retail. Both are solid picks, but Richardson gives budget-conscious renters a little more breathing room.
Are Utilities Expensive in Richardson, TX?
Somewhat. They run about 5% to 19% above the national average depending on the source.
