Is Houston, TX cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 6.3% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $473 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $144,320.388 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 24.1% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Houston, TX?

Moving from Austin, TX to Houston, TX could save you approximately $473 per month, or $5680 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $473/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$473

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$245K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Houston, TX

Category	Austin, TX	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $694less	24.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $165more	12.9%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$911/mo	↓ $47.96less	5.0%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,768/mo	↑ $26.78more	1.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$562/mo	↓ $26.64less	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$552/mo	↑ $11.47more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$694

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.9%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$165

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$47.96

less

📦Other

↑ 1.5%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$26.78

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Austin, TX

$589

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$26.64

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$11.47

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,220

↓ $365

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,260

↓ $425

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,500

↓ $495

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,020

↓ $505

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$565

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Houston

$558K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 56% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Houston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.