Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$68,000 vs $82,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$67,327 vs $66,129
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$58,633 vs $61,103
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000 | $82,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,000 | $62,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,000 | $105,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $106,000 | $128,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $67,327▲ | $66,129 | +$1,198 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $59,219 | $75,768▲ | -$16,549 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,633 | $61,103▲ | -$2,470 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 22,000 | — |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $82,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($67,327 vs $66,129 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.