Is Houston, TX cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 4.5% cheaper than Dallas, TX. This translates to saving $334 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $145,990.099 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 8.4% cheaper than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Moving from Dallas, TX to Houston, TX could save you approximately $334 per month, or $4010 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $334/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.0K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$334

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.0K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$245K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Houston, TX

Category	Dallas, TX	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $200less	8.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $152more	11.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$562/mo	↓ $70.01less	11.1%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$911/mo	↓ $67.95less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$552/mo	↓ $10.38less	1.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $6.70less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.4%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$200

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 11.7%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$152

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.1%

Dallas, TX

$632

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$70.01

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.9%

Dallas, TX

$979

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$67.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.8%

Dallas, TX

$563

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$10.38

less

📦Other

↓ 0.4%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$6.70

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$1,220

↓ $230

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,260

↓ $245

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,500

↓ $265

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$2,020

↓ $200

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$204

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Houston

$292K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 16% less expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.