Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$82,000 vs $92,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$81,188 vs $74,194
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$70,704 vs $68,555
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $82,000 | $92,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,000 | $68,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,000 | $120,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $138,000 | $155,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $81,188▲ | $74,194 | +$6,994 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $71,411 | $85,008▲ | -$13,597 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $70,704▲ | $68,555 | +$2,149 |
| Total Employment | 6,000 | 9,000 | -3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $10,000 more (median: $82,000 vs $92,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($81,188 vs $74,194 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.