City comparison
Yes. Austin's crime index is 162 versus 169 in Richmond, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 122, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Richmond is cheaper. Median rent is $1,372 a month versus $1,729 in Austin.
The income gap between Austin and Richmond is significant: $93,658 median household versus $64,587. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,729 in Austin and $1,372 in Richmond.
Austin is not a close call here. It leads on the job market, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Richmond makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Austin is the stronger move.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Richmond at $1,372 average has pockets that run $1,172 and others at $1,772: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Austin and Richmond are 1,264 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,729 a month in Austin to $1,372 a month in Richmond, down $357 a month (21%).
Median household income goes from $93,658 in Austin to $64,587 in Richmond, down $29,071 (31%).
The crime index goes from 162 in Austin to 169 in Richmond, up 7 points (4%).
The move
Richmond and Austin are 1,264 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,372 a month in Richmond to $1,729 a month in Austin, up $357 a month (26%).
Median household income goes from $64,587 in Richmond to $93,658 in Austin, up $29,071 (45%).
The crime index goes from 169 in Richmond to 162 in Austin, down 7 points (4%).
Austin, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Richmond, VA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Austin and Richmond? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
21% cheaper
Richmond rent is 21% cheaper than Austin
Austin
$1,729/mo
Richmond
Winner$1,372/mo
Typical rent runs $1,372 a month in Richmond versus $1,729 in Austin, so Richmond is 21% cheaper. That's roughly $357/month back in your pocket ($4,284/year). Over five years that's $21,420 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Austin, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Richmond is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Austin? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
45% higher
Austin's median income is 45% higher than Richmond
Austin
Winner$93,658
Richmond
$64,587
Median household income is $93,658 in Austin versus $64,587 in Richmond, so typical pay runs 45% higher in Austin (about $29,071 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Austin is the stronger labor market on paper. Richmond can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
4% lower crime
Austin's crime index is 4% lower than Richmond
Austin
Winner162 (100 = avg)
Richmond
169 (100 = avg)
Austin's crime index is 162 versus 169 in Richmond (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 4% lower in Austin. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Austin, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Richmond. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
28% more comfortable
Austin weather is 28% more comfortable than Richmond
Austin
Winner68°F avg · 76°F highs · comfort 100/100
Richmond
57°F avg · 66°F highs · comfort 78/100
Austin averages about 68°F (76°F highs); Richmond averages about 57°F (66°F highs). Austin sits near 68°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Richmond averages around 57°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Austin scores 28% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Richmond if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 45% higher ($93,658), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 68°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Austin is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 4% lower than Richmond (162 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Richmond
Richmond is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 21% cheaper here at about $1,372 a month. Choose Richmond if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
This pair is really a paycheck comparison: Austin at $93,658 median income versus $64,587 in Richmond. Housing ($1,372 in Richmond, $1,729 in Austin) is secondary unless you are rent-burdened already.
Austin still pays more locally ($93,658 median income vs $64,587), which can offset the lease if your field pays Austin rates.
Weather averages land near 68°F in Austin and 57°F in Richmond.
If local pay drives your move, Austin is the stronger match ($93,658 median income against $64,587). If an employer or family tie already points to Richmond, treat $1,372/month rent and $64,587 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Austin and Richmond, plus other cities in TX and VA.
