Is Washington, DC cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 57.5% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $4313 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $201,761.658 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 183.5% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $4313 more per month than Houston, TX, or $51762 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.3K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $201.8K in Washington, DC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 57.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,313

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$51.8K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:158

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Houston, TX vs Washington, DC

Category	Houston, TX	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $4,020more	183.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $436more	30.1%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $168more	18.4%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$632/mo	↑ $70.01more	12.5%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $56.92more	3.2%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$508/mo	↓ $44.26less	8.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 183.5%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$4,020

🚗Transportation

↑ 30.1%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$436

🛒Groceries

↑ 18.4%

Houston, TX

$911

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$168

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.5%

Houston, TX

$562

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$70.01

📦Other

↑ 3.2%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$56.92

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$44.26

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$2,150

↑ $930

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$2,215

↑ $955

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$2,470

↑ $970

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$3,115

↑ $1,095

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,707

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Washington

$245K

Median Value

$556K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 126% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $11.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$929

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.