Is Houston, TX cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 35.2% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2643 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $118,288.591 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 58.5% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

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

Moving from Boston, MA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $2643 per month, or $31711 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.3K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,643

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.7K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:65

Median Home:$245K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Houston, TX

Category	Boston, MA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $3,085less	58.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $381less	20.8%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$562/mo	↓ $182less	24.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$911/mo	↓ $168less	15.6%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$552/mo	↓ $163less	22.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $56.92less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.5%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$3,085

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.8%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$381

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 24.4%

Boston, MA

$743

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$182

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.6%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$168

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.8%

Boston, MA

$716

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$163

less

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$56.92

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,220

↓ $1,875

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,260

↓ $1,995

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,500

↓ $2,365

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,020

↓ $2,610

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$4,036

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Houston

$961K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 74% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Houston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.