Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Richmond, VA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Richmond, VA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$115,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$113,861 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$99,158 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $115,000 | $140,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,000 | $108,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,000 | $182,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $184,000 | $225,000▲ | -$41,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 124 | -23 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $113,861▲ | $112,903 | +$958 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $100,150 | $129,360▲ | -$29,210 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $99,158 | $104,323▲ | -$5,165 |
| Total Employment | 14,000 | 38,000 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $25,000 more (median: $115,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 124), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($113,861 vs $112,903 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.