Richardson, TX vs. Frisco, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
When it comes to cost of living, which Dallas suburb wins in 2025: Richardson or Frisco? This head-to-head comparison breaks down housing, utilities, groceries, taxes and more to help relocating families, job seekers, and anyone considering a move decide which city fits their budget.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Richardson vs Frisco:
| Housing Type | Richardson | Frisco |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,550 | $1,800 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Richardson. Apartment rents and home prices tend to be 10-20% lower in Richardson compared to Frisco.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Powering a home in the Texas heat isn’t cheap. Typical utility bills in Richardson and Frisco:
- Richardson: $180-$220/month
- Frisco: $200-$240/month
Both cities offer off-peak energy plans to help manage summer A/C costs. Frisco utility bills tend to run slightly higher due to larger average home sizes.
🏆 Winner: Richardson, but it’s close. Expect to pay around $20/month less for utilities in Richardson.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are fairly similar between Richardson and Frisco. Budget around $400/month per adult. Restaurant prices are comparable too, though Frisco has more high-end options that can add up.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in day-to-day living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Both Richardson and Frisco have a 2% property tax rate. However, higher home values in Frisco mean bigger tax bills. HOA fees are common in both cities, typically $50-$300/month.
🏆 Winner: Richardson. Lower home prices = lower property taxes.
Cost Summary
| Category | Richardson | Frisco |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $200 | $220 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $150 | $150 |
| Taxes | $750 | $920 |
| Misc | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,500 | $5,290 |
The table above shows estimated monthly expenses for a family in Richardson vs Frisco. These are based on typical sample monthly budgets for Richardson in 2025.
Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t the only consideration. Richardson offers a more established, walkable feel while Frisco has newer homes and more space. Frisco is further from Dallas, meaning longer commutes. Richardson has convenient access to DART rail.
FAQ
Is Richardson more affordable than Frisco?
Yes, the cost of living in Richardson is about 15% lower than Frisco overall. Housing is the biggest difference.
Which city has lower rent?
Apartment rents are around 15% cheaper in Richardson vs Frisco. See a full cost of living breakdown for Richardson.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Richardson home prices are roughly 20% lower than Frisco. A typical 3BR house costs $450K in Richardson vs $550K in Frisco.
The Bottom Line
While both are attractive Dallas suburbs, Richardson comes out ahead on affordability. A household moving from Frisco to Richardson might save $400+ per month on housing alone. However, Frisco offers more square footage and newer homes for growing families willing to stretch their budget.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your lifestyle and finances. Be sure to compare cost of living for other Texas cities you’re considering to find the right balance.