Moving from Richmond, VA to Plano, TX
Relocating 1275 mi from Richmond to Plano is a 23h 2m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1275 mi Β· 23h 2m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.3% above Richmond β 97.858 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | 41.9" |
Expect 6.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.3% β $62,671 β $108,649 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Plano more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 5.3% higher than Richmond (103.09 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1275 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Plano, TX from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 1275 mi and the route typically takes 23h 2m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $369,646 in Richmond β a 35.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $62,671 in Richmond β a 73.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA Β· Plano, TX.